When wiL Francis spoke soon after playing Baltimore’s 2007 Virgin Fest, he sounded like the happiest guy in the world.

And why not? Not only was his Seattle-based band signed with Victory Records, but it was on its way to stardom, headlining its first tour and “having a great time,” he said.  Then suddenly there were reports that Francis’ recently released solo album “William Control” was recorded as a way to escape his inner demons. What happened in those 12 months?