Sugar and spice
laced mixture of baroque pop and 80's jangle from LA-based musician.
Despite being based in
the sunshine state of California, the music on Devon Williams' 2nd
album Euphoria has more in common with music made by 80's UK indie
bands in rain soaked grey northern cities. Partly due to a fondness
for guitar chorus pedal and vocal delay, but also because of his
emotional outlook. Like a lot of those bands he's not afraid of
showing his tender side. There's an openness that permeates all 12
tracks, vulnerable, unguarded and shot through with a nicely
balanced blend of romanticism and melancholy.
This evocation of
pre-Live Aid 80's guitar pop is coupled with some sounds more in
keeping with Williams home state; Brian Wilson, baroque pop and Byrds
style jangle also flavour the mix. Despite recording the album at
several different studios, the outcome is anything but bitty, there's
a coherent feel to the album and despite the variety of textures it
manages to maintain its continuity of sound.
“Revelations” opens
the album in an optimistically upbeat and poppy fashion, followed by
the guitar-driven “Your Sympathy”, latterly awash with strings, a
paean to a love that's lost its lustre.
Click over the jump for more on Euphoria.
