The Watson Twins Set Chicago On 'Fire'

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 15, 2008 3:55PM

While most music fans are familiar with The Watson Twins from their 2006 collaboration with Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis, Rabbit Fur Coat, sisters Chandra and Leigh have a blossoming career of their own. While the Twins occupy the same slice of Americana-inspired indie folk pop as the aforementioned Rilo Kiley, they've quickly establishing themselves with their 2006 EP, Southern Manners, and their aptly-named full-length debut, Fire Songs, released last month on Vanguard Records.

Fire Songs was recorded completely in analog to capture a higher level of intimacy, something that comes through on the peppy, soul-tinged opener "How Am I To Be?" the ballad "Fall," and the country-infused cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." Though now based in L.A., the Twins draw from their upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky on songs like "Dig A Little Deeper" and "Sky Open Up," which spring from a rootsier background, all harmonica and acoustic guitar. The Twins keep the listener entranced all the while with their dulcet, chanteuse vocals, reminiscent of Natalie Merchant or a younger Emmylou Harris. The Twins' music winds it way into your ears, deploying subtle hooks and utilizing the sisters' sweet, intertwining harmonies to weave a web of warm, folk-pop gems. The Twins bring their enchanting music, the perfect soundtrack for a hot, summer night, to the Lakeshore Theater this Thursday.

The Watson Twins with Tim Fite, Thursday July 17 at the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N Broadway, 10 p.m., $12 via TicketWeb