Song Spotlight: Devon Thompson's Wishing (a night at El Cid)

I first came across the back to basics rocker Devon Thompson at The Smell in late 2023. In 2024, she played a trio of sets at WFNM that I caught, the last one being an acoustic set. A bit too much time had passed since I last crossed paths with the self described "Angel from the Valley." When I noticed that she was playing El Cid, I circled the date. 

Devon Thompson at El Cid

Sometimes I just have to notice the reaction of the crowd. When she said "hi" the crowd just screamed in adoration and yelled back, "Hi, Devon." Off to the side, another individual was headbanging the whole set, hair flying to the beats. I always do wonder, do people start getting dizzy or vertigo when they do that for 45 minutes straight? Towards the end of the set, a "girl pit" started to form and Thompson encouraged it for the final song "Parasite." Per an Instagram reel, Thompson describes this social critique single as being about her, "anger towards women's health and safety. About how we have only become more and more demonized in society." There were also the devoted fans up front who were enthralled by every snarling look. 

Devon Thompson at El Cid

The crowd responded to the smokey vocals behind the song "Soft Like Water." Devon Thompson proclaimed her belief in shame for the song "Pillory" (the wooden frame that locked a person's head and hands). When she left behind the microphone and approached the front of the stage with her guitar, the crowd roared in appreciation, "What are we, if not repenting for our actions." 

Side Topic. For some reason, when I see Devon Thompson, I see Alaska Reid. Alaska Reid hung out in Los Angeles pre-pandemic before moving back home to Montana. I don't know why, they fit in different music genres. Reid is a singer-songwriter while Thompson is a rocker. Perhaps it is because I first came across both at The Smell. I haven't been to The Smell in so long that I'm starting to feel guilty about it.

Devon Thompson at El Cid

Comment of the set: To see a full room of people is amazing so thank you. I am forever grateful. 

The song spotlight goes to the recently released "Wishing." Once again heading to Instagram, we have this description about the meaning for the song, "The song reflects how harsh society can be on people who are 'different' and are often judged without really knowing the person. How often we, as humans, are sometimes misunderstood to the very core of our being."

You took the breath away from me
And with this gaze I'm free

The song is filled with enchantment that has Thompson taking a turn away from gritty rocker to melodic ancient elegance. The white lace that hung from the microphone stand added a touch of innocence to the song that is just asking for a simple request of non-judgement. 

Side Topic 2: I've said this before, but I'd love to see a future line-up of Devon Thompson with Devon Ross and Ramonda Hammer (lead singer name is Devin Davis).

  

Devon Thompson at El Cid

Setlist: Reckless, Straightjacket, Poison Me, Shattered, I Love You But It Hurts Like Hell, Split Ends, Soft Like Water, Pillory, Spine, Wishing, She's the Devil, What Do You Want From Me?, Come Over, Parasite.