Fire Songs - The Watson Twins Album Review

The Watson Twins

The Watson Twins - Photo: Pamela Littky

Album Review

Kentucky duo's full-length debut - luvvvelleee !

Identical twins Chandra and Leigh Watson are well known on the Los Angeles folk -country- rock scene, now they get to shine on a bigger stage. Fire Songs is typical of the new wave of Americana taking the world by means of a (quiet) storm. You might already know of them due to their involvement with both Rilo Kiley and Jenny Lewis, so it comes as no surprise they've had a bash on their own, as duo of course.

At the heart of their beautiful music is a heavy emphasis on golden harmonies, which they exploit with magnificent execution. However, the lyrical content suggests a darker side. Take the opening How Am I To Be, by far the best and most commercial track on offer written by Chandra, is a song of self-reconciliation and tolerance. The swooning countrified Lady Love Me leans towards their new-folk tendencies, whereas the brooding Fall, which isn't sung particularly well, is more indie-folk-rock. Back on more familiar sweet Americana territory, they masterfully re-invent The Cure's Just Like Heaven, a minor hit for Robert Smith's band way back in 1987, making it all their own. Things dramatically change on the Latino R&B tinged Map To Where You Are. This is a tale, about a lover's doubt and suspicion, cleverly worked into a mish-mash musical style. After the weakest songs Dig A Little Deeper and Sky Open, they return to form on the jangly guitar worked Bar Woman Blues, by Leigh, who claims that her 'regular haunt', as depressing a place it might be, is an a easy place to be. With Old Ways once again delving into their country ballad roots, it showcases their mastery of close harmony aided by some delicate pedal steel swoops.

Again, Waves, finds the pair in reflective mode, with a simple format that suits the mood.

File under: Very good start.

Elly Roberts