With the recent re-release of Where Do I Begin? and another album due in the fall, Devin Williams has bridged the gap between alternative rock and the Christian music scene.
With his band, Mouthpiece, Williams has managed to delve into a deep world of twisted aggression and frustration where people have turned to find their faith in a world where politics and pop culture are the ruling majority. Williams’ words depict the evangelical fight for faith and the never-ending struggle to attain peace within the soul. Although the basis of the album’s lyrical content has a strong Christian religious basis, Williams’ writing covers the trials of everyday life without using the overused clich’s of the typical Christian rock band.
Although the lyrical content identifies with struggles of spirituality and faith, the album boasts strong influences from the early ’90s underground to mainstream grunge scene, ranging from Mudhoney to Soundgarden, while still tipping its hat to bands such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Overall, the musical content is brilliant and driven, displaying the rough, bluesy vocals of Williams, and the fat, distortion-grinding rhythmic leads from his excellent guitar work. The music is straight-ahead and determined, full of complex rhythm and intensity. With songs such as ’Cover Me’ and ’Coming Home,’ Williams weaves hypnotic sound and driving rhythm while his vocals twist and turn with emotional intensity, placing no neglect upon the evocative, uplifting feel. The tempo ranges from song to song, taking the listener to euphoric highs while Williams describes the disillusionment of life, confessing his own fears of enlightenment with words such as ’the rays don’t fall in this room like they used to–what’s left here is the Winter Chill.’
The web of intricate music with the epic nature of the lyrics presents a unique parallel by presenting a Christian background, yet still allowing the average listener to identify with the struggles placed upon the common man in today’s world.
Mouthpiece’s music may not be particularly original, but this does not compromise the overall effect of the album. The driving, straight-ahead guitar work, rhythmic bass thumping and intense drumming prove to be top-notch, never straying to a mainstream pop ideal. Every verse has purpose, and the music takes the lyrics to high crescendos, leaving the listener hanging on every line.
Recorded at The Velvet Elvis in Nashville and Backbone Studios in Goodletsville, Williams has put an album out that’s honest and true. With the help of Chuck Butler on the engineering side, Mouthpiece’s effort has become not only a well-recorded rock album, but it is a voice of truth for the listeners who are looking to find some hope, some spiritual guidance, and friendly advice for their tough journey in life. With a new lineup featuring Biff Kitti on bass and Zak Shumate on drums, Mouthpiece will begin an aggressive new fall tour and a new album due sometime in September.
Williams has put his heart and soul into this work, and his infectious, straightforward sound will be promising for the road ahead. This album may take you to a new level in spirituality, or it may just let you know you are not alone.
Then again, it just may save you. Check out myspace.com/mouthpiece for more info.
