What we have here is a wonderful showcase for Devin’s voice and songwriting sensibilities. And this guy knows how to use his voice. And how to write a song!
A non-stop listening pleasure, the vocal appears to be effortless – but just you try to sing along with it. This is an accomplished vocal: breathy and heartfelt one moment, then flicking up into falsetto to imbue a phrase with extra emotion, the odd guttural grunt for emphasis and just the right amount of careworn edge to communicate exactly how sensitive the character telling this story is.
The contemporary references (‘with her headphones, singing off-key Rihanna’) are killing it in terms of vibe and relevance, and yet it’s coupled with a John Mayer-level of class and sophistication.
The brilliant use of vocals as subtle watercolours in the background enhance and cuddle in all the ways you’d want, and the rhyme schemes deliver the lines you want, too. When No Worries comes to an all-too-abrupt halt after little more than two-and-a-half minutes, you find yourself wondering why the decision was made to cut this summery slice of happiness short. And then you hit repeat and answer your own question. Then do it again to be sure.
Growing from solo vocal and reverb-heavy guitar strums that leak cool everywhere, into a stereo spread and mix of wet and dry sounds that are superbly managed, No Worries delivers on every level, has broad appeal and I believe should do incredibly well.
Stream the music on Spotify. Find & follow Devin Kennedy on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website.
