Bird by Bird

Jonathan Devoto surprises some long-time fans as he bounds forward to front his own band, Bird by Bird, as lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and writer. However, those who have followed his eight year career with the Matches, the popular Oakland-based (and constantly touring) rock band with Devoto handling lead guitar and backing vocals, are familiar with his intense and fiery live show and magnetic stage presence even in his support role.

Jonathan Devoto surprises some long-time fans as he bounds forward to front his own band, Bird by Bird, as lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and writer. However, those who have followed his eight year career with the Matches, the popular Oakland-based (and constantly touring) rock band with Devoto handling lead guitar and backing vocals, are familiar with his intense and fiery live show and magnetic stage presence even in his support role. Through three albums (Epitaph Records) and years of international touring, Devoto generated raves and accolades. Alternative Press magazine identifying him as one of current music's three best guitarists of 2008, stated: "Devoto brings a chameleon-like quality to the lead guitar slot in the Matches, as he's equally adept at sunny pop and lo-fi fuzz as he is on theater-punk and loud rockers." The new songs Bird by Bird produce are woven with sharp and nimble wordplay, blending driving rhythms and compelling melodies, much like the Matches' music.

However, Devoto's material leans toward a more meaty, more emphatic rock sound, apparent in his summer 2009 solo shows. Devoto and his writing partner have shaped a sonic blend with echoes of Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Third Eye-Blind, and, yes, the Matches. Emotional, intense, vulnerable, and vivid -- the songs, the vocal delivery, the guitar moves, the instrumental interplay all convey the passion of a young man with a complete and confident music vision. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL..