Watchhouse (from the album Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Watchhouse (from the album Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Watchhouse (from the album Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater available on Yep Roc Records) (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
When they suddenly and somewhat surreptitiously changed their handle from Mandolin Orange to Watchhouse, the duo — Andrew Marlin (vocals, mandolin, guitars) and Emily Frantz (vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle) — didn’t automatically change their sound along with it. As evidenced by this sublime set recorded live for Austin City Limits in January 2020, they’re still making music of a similarly soft and supple variety.
 
Aided and abetted by guitarist Josh Oliver, bassist Clint Mullican, drummer Joe Westerlund, and Kate Rhudy on occasional fiddle and backing vocals, Marlin and Frantz maintain the same gentle caress, with songs such as “Golden Embers”, “When She’s Feeling Blue”, “Cavalry”, “Hey Stranger”, “Wildfire”, and “The Wolves” coming across as a series of swaying serenades and a serendipitous sound that could be likened to a lullaby. While some might consider the music too light and airy to create a really formidable impression, these lilting melodies prove otherwise. So too, not every track maintains a mellow stance; “My Blinded Heart” and “Gospel Shoes” provide a combination of plucking and picking, making for mildly upbeat entries with a spark and shine.
 
Likewise, in a song such as “Time We Made Time” the swelling arrangements help ensure that overall allure. So too, the evocative sentiments and comforting caress make no demands on the listener other than to simply relax, reflect and settle into a state of quiet contemplation. The tasteful instrumentation and effortless harmonies shared by Marlin and Franz convey a sense of serenity and pure emotional investment.
 
Happily, while the moods and melodies may suggest otherwise, Watchhouse don’t always take themselves too seriously. Marlin’s rambling intro to “Hawk Is a Mule”, a fiddle-fueled instrumental that considers the possibility of using a bird of prey to carry weed across the border, has them musing mischievously.  Closing track “Waltz About Whiskey” finds that light-hearted attitude still intact.
 
Whether it’s a catch-up for the uninitiated or considered an essential acquisition for the Watchhouse/Mandolin Orange aficionado, Live at the Moody Theater is, in fact, an exceptional collection. Put on the music, light some candles and bask in the grace and grandeur. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
 
Listen and buy the music of Watchhouse from AMAZON
 
For more info, check out the Watchhouse website