Omaha, Nebraska has been the home of one of the greatest music scenes in America. Bright Eyes (and Conor Oberst’s many musical projects), Neva Dinova and Tilly and the Wall have all come out of this cultural epicenter, as well as the prolific Saddle Creek record label. Tim Kasher, frontman of Cursive, has been a major player in the Omaha/Saddle Creek scene for almost 30 years. Aside from Cursive, he was part of the band The Good Life (an ode to the state slogan of Nebraska) and has released steady solo work over the last several years. In Cursive’s newest release, “Devourer,” Kasher reflects on aging, imposter syndrome and society as a whole.
In their first release on Boston-based label Run for Cover Records, Cursive shows off a new sound that’s poppier than the brooding emo-esque tracks they’ve been known for. Kasher delivers his signature raw vocals throughout this record, although they seem to be toned down from earlier releases of the band.
Sonically, “Devourer” incorporates some interesting instrumental layering. Driving guitars are underscored by subtle cello and occasional trumpet. The album makes use of unconventional instruments as well. The song “Imposturing,” a punchy lament on creating art, features a catchy synth hook. “The Avalanche of Our Demise” includes a sitar section. Overall, a lot of unique sounds come together to create an immersive soundscape.
Lyrically, “Devourer” doesn’t particularly impress. While not awful by any means, some lines lean a tad corny. I feel a section from the track “What the Fuck” sums up the lyrical content of this album: “Yeah, yeah, it’s a privileged existence / And yeah, yeah, I am such a lucky guy / Still, I’ll bitch and moan with insistence / I thought there’d be more time … / Fuck my life.”
While Kasher is clearly self-aware about how angsty he can sound, it doesn’t fix some of the lyrics coming off as bitching and moaning. In the track “The Age of Impotence,” Kasher refers to himself as a “rotten egg, stinkin’ up the joint.”
Tracks like “Consumers” are also fairly on the nose about their message. In it, Kasher sings: “Everything I see I want to buy / Happiness is in a grocery line / I saw the future / In a matchbox car / I saw our future / In the aisles of Walmart.” While the critique on consumer culture is relevant, these lyrics feel somewhat surface-level.
Still, the writing of “Devourer” speaks to a generation that is starting to come to terms with growing older. In the track “Up and Away,” Kasher emphasizes this sentiment with the line, “When I was young, I was infinite.”
It’s hard not to compare “Devourer” to Cursive’s earlier work with a legacy of 2000’s “Domestica” and 2003’s “The Ugly Organ.” While containing some enjoyable moments, “Devourer” ultimately disappoints. It’s not a bad album, but I don’t think it’s something I would revisit besides a few songs. A highlight for me would be the track “Imposturing.” Kasher’s vocals here are more reminiscent of Cursive’s emo days as he lets loose on the refrain: “Make it up as you go along.”
Rating: 2.5/5