The Watson Twins – Chandra and Leigh – may have gotten their start touring as backup singers for Indie Pop queen Jenny Lewis and tapped longtime rocker Butch Walker to produce their record, but their latest, Holler, is pure Americana.
The sister grew up singing in church choirs in their native Kentucky and there is no denying they know their way around harmonies. Their latest is a timeless take on Americana and honky tony making for a remarkably entertaining record. The opening title track lays out the album’s manifesto, promising beautiful harmonies and melodies soaring over a brilliant mix of barroom piano and slide guitars. That promise is followed through to the very end.
Lyrically, the band also offers some of the best songs of their career. The origins of that title track, an seemingly uplifting call to arms came from a surprisingly dark moment. “We wrote it after Roe v. Wade got overturned,” Chandra explained. “We were frustrated, but the song is about how we’re stronger together, and how we need to keep trying. When we sing ‘Holler if you hear me,’ we’re singing about that collective energy.” Meanwhile, “The Palace,” is the perfect drinking break up song, while “Honky Tony Heart” (quite possible the most addictively catchy song in the duo’s catalog) is about leaving LA for their current address in Nashville. The album closes on the double speed “Two Timin’,” a longtime show staple for the sisters that ends the record at another high point.
All of the songs here have an old classic Country authenticity that you’d swear this was a covers album. The decision to have Walker produce was an inspired one. Even though he got his start first in hair metal, then the alt rock band Marvelous Three before going solo, he’s had an even more eclectically successful career as a songwriter and producer working with everyone from Pink and Green Day to Weezer and Taylor Smith. He adds some harmony, acoustic guitar, and the occasional guitar solo on this record, but more importantly he amps up The Watson Twins’ unique sound, a blend of Americana, Honky Tonk and folk, marking their best album to date.
