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The Watson Twins – Fire Song

Yes, nearly two years after the Southern Manners EP, the Watson Twins have signed with Vanguard Records and will release their new album Fire Songs. In contrast to the Southern Manners EP, Fire Songs retains some of the whimsy and carefree sounds of Rabbit Fur Coat (with Jenny Lewis, 2006). The song lyrics (as on Rabbit Fur Coat) are not necessarily as light as the accompanying melodies, but that reads more to the success of Rabbit Fur Coat than the seriousness of Southern Manners. The Twins strike a fine balance in lyrical balance, and can turn the heaviest topic into lighter pop song – as seen in How Am I To Be and the not-quite-bluesy Bar Woman Blues.

What I’m really digging in this album is the stronger turn to the country sound (see: Sky Open Up and Old Ways). If Rabbit Fur Coat can be seen as mostly bluegrass-influenced, then Fire Songs has to be looked at as significantly country-influenced. This seems a little peculiar to me, as the sound doesn’t really reflect Los Angeles or Bakersfield country. This is definitely a more southern sound, but saturated in pop and folk goodness. Of course, the Silverlake bands are known for great pop sound, but not necessarily for anything within the aforementioned genre. There is a great balance of genres happening on Fire Songs, and with any luck it is a sound that will become more prominent.

The Watson Twins – Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
[audio:/stu/2008/05/27/The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven.mp3]
The Watson Twins – Old Ways
[audio:/stu/2008/05/27/The Watson Twins - Old Ways.mp3]

For a great interview with insights into the song Old Ways check out Mainstream Isn’t So Bad… Is It? And DEFINITELY check out their performance on 89.3 The Current in Minnesota.

The new albums will be available from Vanguard Records on June 24th.