Watchhouse is a duo from North Carolina made up of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz who both have immense talent and attitude. With that, their music confronts the dark side, trying to eradicate it from their own lives and minds. Though this is true, they do offer a musical avenue for the listener to navigate down, as they feel the pressures of the modern world on their backs.
Expressive and emotive with sadness rippling through, this album by the outfit is a collection of majestic songs which break acoustic conventions. And in an instance, it brings forth an epic sound that offers the listener an experience, moments to savour in a crippled, often stuffy world, in which corruption overthrows beauty.
We all know beauty has been suppressed by the surge of violence in this world, and music like this relaxes the belting hearts, the shaky hands, and it must be said too, that we are also seeing alteration first hand, as well as the grit and the impurity. That aside this is an acoustic dream, this record, with melodies galore, and lyrics which convey hurt and loves darkest side. This side also generates sombreness and recklessness, as the light flickers in a sorry state.
And Rituals blooms when the acoustic rhythm dances and flows, with expert vocals and sonic sounds interweaving to create a blissful, sorrowful, collection. The lyrics as said, aren’t one-dimensional or lacking in substance either, as every word has significance, every strand stirs the story and augments the record from being just a basic acoustic album.
It is an impressive foray into acoustic drama, this opus, and the ingenuity shown cancels out any form of complacency, and from the start to the cooling conclusion, nothing is off, nothing seems to be complicated or pushed too far, as every last chime, every timely strum, and every angelic vocal performance is rightfully placed with attentiveness.
On top of that, the arrangements are pristine, covering all areas, including layering and composition. And it is a masterful piece of work Rituals, pushing the acoustic sound forward without losing its effectiveness and its charm.
Shape begins this sonic adventure. The acoustic sounds become the pivotal moment, the most alluring point. The vocals are tender, and the lyrics convey a heartfelt fable of lust and loneliness. Beyond Meaning has rhythm in abundance. The acoustic sound has layers too, with the story flourishing with every part and sentence. Those vocals are serene and tuned, exhibiting clarity.
In The Sun is another acoustic charm, breaking in fast with a well-rounded sound, showing adeptness. And there is more to this, more energy and urgency. Patterns then opens with that acoustic sound which grows and becomes a base for the upbeat lyrics, and the love has been repaired and has been allowed to bloom in the grey.
Watchhouse is a project of sheer importance and beauty, even when the gloom comes and tries to sabotage. Rituals is also a great record, an album of tranquillity and soul, urgent in its storyline.
Watchhouse: Rituals – Out now
