Reviews > CDs

The Watson Twins: Talking to You, Talking to Me

Vanguard

Chandra and Leigh Watson, identical twins whose coal country harmonies graced Rilo Kiley front woman Jenny Lewis’ solo album Rabbit Fur Coat, return with more noir dreams for album number two. On their own, the twins skewer toward non-region-specific tonalities. Their debut, Fire Songs, was more Silverlake than Louisville and Talking to You, Talking to Me admires the night with a ghostly, echoed sound that bounces from sleek pop (“Modern Man”) to tense discovery (“Harpeth River”) to earnest ‘60s girl group harmonies (“Savin’ You,” “Tell Me Why”). They’re not afraid of the blues, as “Forever Me” broods while “Midnight” vamps over a nightclub organ. “Calling Out” puffs out “You’re No Good” like Betty Everett in 1963—and not Linda Ronstadt in 1975—with Carole King lurking in the shadows.