The Watson Twins

Talking to You, Talking to Me (Vanguard)

The Watson Twins seem committed to being tandem torchers, and building upon their natural, sultry, Southern-bent harmonies, the duo’s inseparable intentions are justified. Which is what makes its sophomore LP so direly disappointing. Each song sets Chandra or Leigh in the fore, with their vocals intertwining only to accent, which results in a lot of smoke but little fire. Arrangements initially signal some interesting turns with the skittering percussion of opener “Modern Man” and the punctuated organ pulse that spikes “Harpeth River,” but neither twin rises to the occasion. Even on what should have been the burning soul send-off of “Midnight” strikes with uncommitted understatement, saved only by the closing guitar and organ showdown. “Snow Canyons” provides a brief, gentle reprieve but is immediately undermined by the juvenile pop songwriting of “Tell Me Why.” The Watson Twins have inherent and proven talent, but it hardly shows here. (Sat., 9pm, Central Presbyterian Church.)

*.5

This article appears in March 19 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.