The Watson Twins

12 Bar, London - 17 Jun 2008

by Dan Worth

Twins' set is short but sweet

"It’s rare to see artists at such close quarters; rarer still for them to make this proximity work to their advantage"

The Watson Twins are clearly looking to enjoy themselves as they showcase some of the tracks from their debut album ‘Fire Songs’. As they take to the stage Chandra Watson says, "I wish I’d had a beer before we started, it soothes my throat," to which a member of the audience offers to buy her one. She politely declines. With only 30 people or so huddled around the stage this is a fantastic way to start such an intimate gig; a warm, engaging piece of spontaneous crowd interaction, before a note has even been played.

They begin the gig, appropriately enough, with album opener ‘How Am I To Be’, their intertwining vocal lines and delicately strummed chords reverberating around the small room and the high ceiling. The audience seem transfixed by their siren call harmonies.

Stacked in the grate of an old chimney, the amps for the guitarist give a crisp, clean tone, but get turned up all the way to... well, maybe eight... for the rockier ‘Sky Open Up’. The twins too demonstrate a simple but effective musical proficiency, switching guitar and harmonica duties frequently as though to show that whatever one can do, the other can do too.

It’s rare to see artists at such close quarters; rarer still for them to make this proximity work to their advantage. Alas though, like all good things, it’s over too soon. After a mere six songs, each full of easy-on-the-ear harmonies and musical hooks, they leave the stage and happily pose for a photo or two with the audience. As the crowd shuffle out there’s a sense of tranquillity, as if we’ve been hypnotised by not only the gentle, dream-like qualities of the music but by the sheer immediacy of it all.

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