EP Review: Lewis Watson – ‘Some Songs With Some Friends’
2 min read
Some Songs With Some Friends is a set of four fresh tracks from Lewis Watson and, as the title suggests, some friends..
The EP sees Watson in collaboration with Gabrielle Aplin, Kimberly Anne and Hudson Taylor, and is a solid collection of bittersweet pop tunes. However, that I feel inclined to describe the record as mature perhaps has as much to do with the fact that the artist doesn’t look any older than 15, than it does with the actual music.
The first track, Even If, is the only tune where Watson, who is actually 21, is singing solo. And perhaps that is appropriate, as the track reflects on a relationship in strife; beginning the song with the chorus, he tells us: ‘Even if I apologise, I know there’s still a hill to climb, and I know that I’ll never quite convince you’. It is followed by Droplets, which features Gabrielle Aplin, and is a pretty piece of harmonic songwriting.
Both of the first two tracks are built on an earthier pop foundation, which is abruptly discarded in favour of a threateningly heavy bass-line and some effected guitar in Peaks. This track is the strongest on the EP in my opinion; it has atmosphere, Watson’s voice gently interlocking with the vocals of Kimberly Anne in melodic and lyrical lines that are playful and nostalgic – ‘I’ve seen more towers come down than children grow old’, we are told.
The final track, Colorblind, which is in collaboration with Hudson Taylor, has a similar general vibe to the Peaks. It has a heavy bass-drum sound, with some piano and violin thrown in for good measure. However, it doesn’t have the same kind of melodic grab as the previous tune, the lack of easily discernable variation leaves the track feeling a bit tedious by the end.
With Some Songs With Some Friends, Lewis Watson has delivered a well-polished set of enjoyable pop songs that are indicative of a young man intent on establishing himself as a serious feature on the modern music landscape.
::: Renowned For Sound Music Reviews ::: Ben is a 21-year-old student whose taste in music consists of tunes that make him see things. Music for him is a very visual experience; a song has succeeded when it transports the listener somewhere. This is a quality Ben hopes to articulate in writing music reviews for RenownedForSound.com.
Ben capped off his school days at a Sydney high school catering specifically for the musically inclined, but now must balance his musical cravings with university study. To satisfy these cravings, Ben has played guitar in a few groups of differing styles but is often most contented just tinkering with the blues.
