Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Kevin Devine spent several years fronting the emo-indie rock outfit the Miracle of 86 before releasing his first solo album, Circle Gets the Square, in early 2002. Sounding something like Bright Eyes crossed with Dashboard Confessional by way of Elliott Smith, Devine followed up in the fall of 2003 with Make the Clocks Move, issued through Triple Crown Records. His thoughtful lyrics and heartfelt melodies brought praise from fans and critics alike, and he supported the record on a range of shows — with Nellie McKay to Bright Eyes to Bob Mould — playing both solo and with "the Goddamn Band." The Miracle of 86 broke up prior to Split the Country, Split the Street, a much fuller-sounding record that found the twenty-something musician exploring themes of love, death (his father had recently passed away from a stroke), and political protest (largely in response to the 2004 presidential election). The album was issued in May 2005, and several months later, Devine was officially part of the roster over at Capitol Records. For his major-label debut he worked with producer Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck), and the resulting Put Your Ghost to Rest appeared in October 2006. Devine spent time surrounding its release playing gigs with acts like Corinne Bailey Rae, KT Tunstall, Cary Brothers, Straylight Run, and matt pond PA.
