Stream: Devon Williams, ‘A Tear in the Fabric’

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Devon Williams

“A Tear in the Fabric” is the title track to Devon Williams’ first album in six years, coming out May 1 via Slumberland. It’s a twinkling throwback to the smooth radio pop of the ’70s, as styled by ’90s (and some contemporary) jangle-pop artists, which is Williams’ sonic happy place.

The song is also an astute look at relationship dynamics. “In domestic bliss, there are times when you start to wonder who you really are,” Williams says.”At a certain age, I think you start to feel more mortal, and you hold a little tighter to parts of yourself that are a little more difficult to reconcile. So, you’re basically trying to keep a part of you alive that should be dead. So, you may feel stuck. So ‘A Tear in the Fabric’ says we can change, we can stay the same, or maybe we can just do both.

“And at the end of ‘A Tear in the Fabric’ is a sample of the Clifford T. Ward song ‘No More Rock N’ Roll.’ He’s the best at taking the everyday and commonplace and making it remarkable and romantic.”

The title track is the third single to have been released from “A Tear in the Fabric,” following “In Babylon” and “Circus World,” a wryly poignant state-of-the-world meditation with a vocal sample or two that might make you cringe. Director Mike Cullen’s video, below, nails it.

Oh, and not familiar with Clifford T. Ward? Williams is here to help.

||| Stream: “A Tear in the Fabric”

||| Also: Watch the video for “Circus World”