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Album Review: Patrick Watson

Wooden Arms

Album Review: Patrick Watson

9 / 10 Album review:
From the same tight-knit artistic scene in Montreal that birthed Arcade Fire and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Patrick Watson has been quietly earning a fearsome live reputation in the last three years. On this third album, the musical settings delve deeper into the atmospherics of previous records. The spontaneous-sounding arrangements – topped by Watson’s uniquely mercurial voice – are at turns ornate, grand and subtle, but never less than totally bewitching. From the poised and elegant chanson of the title track through to the clanging Tom Waits-style carnival atmosphere of ‘Travelling Salesman’ and the heart-meltingly beautiful, banjo-driven duet of ‘Big Bird In A Small Cage’, these woozily intoxicating songs deserve your attention.

Anthony Thornton

More on this artist:
Patrick Watson NME Artist Page
Patrick Watson MySpace

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