ALBUM REVIEW: The Watson Twins Put Harmony First on ‘HOLLER’
Jim Shahen
Posted On June 21, 2023
It’s been five years since the last Watson Twins album, the quite-good Duo (ND review). This week Chandra and Leigh Watson are back in a big way with the new LP HOLLER. Produced by Butch Walker, it’s a rollicking affair that weds the sisters’ stunning harmonies with the sounds of classic ’70s country.
The stirring title track opens the record. Written in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overturned, the twins use the song as a rallying cry and call to collective action and strength. They acknowledge that it “keeps getting harder” and urge the listener to “hold the truth and carry on” through those adversities. The sisters sing the hell outta the song, and their efforts are bolstered by the backing musicians, particularly a red-hot piano solo from Thayer Sarrano and slide guitar work by Steven Cooper.
HOLLER was recorded with the band playing live in-studio and Chandra and Leigh recording their vocals simultaneously and within arms’ reach of each other. This imbues the album with a freewheeling spirit that suits the material and makes for a lively, engaging listen. Just check out “Honky Tonk Heart” for a prime example of the efficacy of that dynamic. The song has a palpable energy and live energy to it that’s just a lot of fun to hear.
One of the most intriguing selections on HOLLER is “Southern Manners.” It’s a reworking of a track from their 2006 debut and in terms of song structure, the new rendition is not significantly different. But the 2023 take sounds bolder: The band’s playing is on a much grander scale and so are the twins’ vocals. As a whole, it serves as a nice snapshot of just how The Watson Twins have developed and changed in approach (and confidence) over the past 17 years.
HOLLER concludes with “Two Timin’,” a song that’s been a part of The Watson Twins’ live show for several years but had never been included on an album. Waiting until now was a savvy move, as it’s a scorcher and makes for a near-perfect conclusion to an absolutely delightful LP.
The Watson Twins’ HOLLER is out June 23 on Bloodshot Records.
