October is coming to a close, Halloween is this weekend, and fall is in full swing here in Utah. Did I say Fall- I meant WINTER. I just took my puppy out for some exercise and decided it would be a quick outing. I'm sitting here in my hoodie and down vest still trying to get over the blustery shock that greeted us. A few stray snowflakes are bouncing like B B's on the railing and I have to double check the calender- this is strange for me. I am a Southern transplant although most recently hailing from New Jersey. Utah is reminding me that this winter is going to be, like everything else here, a new experience. Thats fine, I've got it covered, I'm already starting to thaw out from the warm oozing guitar riffs of Devi. This chick can play rock n roll like Hendrix, but her voice is reminiscent of another personal favorite- Miss Sheryl Crow. Interesting combination, right? It gets better..
Devi is an indie folk rock band currently residing in Jersey City, consist of Debra on lead guitar and vocals, John Hummel on drums and Keith Mannino on bass. The trio make beautiful music together with their salty lyrics and strong presence.
A woman who plays lead guitar and does it damn well gets the attention of many. Go ahead, try to think of the company she keeps, not too many other females on her level of talent come to mind except Orianthi, she's pretty hot right now. There are other less known by mainstream audiences like Teresa Russell and Jennifer Batten who are both phenomenal guitar players - simply stated - she is among the ranks of genuine guitar goddesses. The name "Devi", derived from Sanskrit, is the Hindu Indian mother goddess of earth that manifest herself to all other goddesses. Devi has thier eye on the prize and it would seem they are well on their way to great success.
Get Free is a powerful song that beckons the listener to get free from whatever is holding them back from discovering their true self. In a recent interview with Guitar International Debra explains it like this:
"Get Free is about the longing for love and the longing for God and all the crazy things we pursue—from sex to drugs to relationships—to try to appease these longings. When, in fact, if we could uncover our true nature, we’d find a wellspring of joy."
Not all of Devi's music has such obvious mystical interpretations, Runaway is about true love gone bad, and then there's Demon in the Sack that unabashedly proclaims in true raw rock fashion "all we want is to find some love.. with a Demon in the Sack.." Debra doesn't shy away from the intended meaning here- turning the tables on the men who want the proverbial "lady on the street but a freak in the sheets" This goddess takes back the control in the bedroom and isn't afraid to sing about it- did I mention she plays lead guitar! Other favorites of mine are Welcome to the Boneyard and Howl at the Moon.
Debra sings with resolute emotion that bleeds through her music and if that isn't enough all the songs have luscious guitar solos tucked neatly into the verses that are like biting into a piece of chocolate and getting a delicious surprise. Her music is fun and energetic with pumping beats and fuzzy guitar licks that keep your head nodding and foot tapping until the end.
Get a digital download from her bandcamp website.
