The Watson Twins

The
Watson Twins Southern Manners (TWT, September 2006)

They first came through town a month or so ago in support of
Matt Costa
at SOhO (Costa incidentally comes back for a UCSB show on November
15) and are about to return with Jenny Lewis when
she shares the Arlington stage with Death Cab for
Cutie on December 6.

In between their visits to Santa Barbara, The Watson Twins have
left us to ponder their debut recording Southern Manners.
But not that much pondering is required, for lurking amongst the
eight compositions that grace this album are some of the most
enchanting musical moments one is likely to encounter this
year.

Take a song like “Friend and Foe,” for instance, with its aching
melody that drifts upon a subtle lather of weeping lap steel and
airy acoustics. Or the beautiful lamenting harmonies that gouge
every ounce of sympathy from the verses of “Hardly Undone.” And
then there is “Shoot the Lights Out” where Brian Lebarton’s piano
weaves a gorgeous passage through the gentle strumming of Chandra
Watson’s nylon string guitar before the twins’ sublime vocals melt
together into a chorus that makes you want to cry. Music doesn’t
come any more beautiful or inflicting than this. Rich in organics,
lush with harmonies, and strikingly executed, for me, this is
undoubtedly the album of the year — and maybe one for next year
too.