The Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and film-score composer’s latest LP presents 11 new, delicate, beautiful collaboratively performed songs about life’s various anxious moments, big or small, joined by guest vocalists including Martha Wainwright and stars, but particularly inspired by the one of any musician’s most stressful ‘uh ohs’ – a time when he lost his voice. The perspective, from childhood accidents to adult problems, covers his entire life, including 20 years of musical exploration. While his voice was gone, and uncertain whether it might return, Watson wanted to hear and work with others. As well as Wainwright, there’s Solann, local Quebec favourite, Klô Pelgag, other international acclaimed voices MARO, Hohnen Ford, and November Ultra, pop star Charlotte Cardin, Anachnid, and Charlotte Oleena, whom he befriended at a local café. The beautiful opener, Silencio, with piano, orchestral strings and more, and the high, pure ethereal voice of November Ultra (“silencio, yo te dí el silencio pa' que tu entiendas”) sees Watson immediately, and slightly croakily address the paradox of his ailment: “I lost my voice ‘cause I talked too loud like an old friend that ain't hanging around … I think you like me better since I lost my voice something about this quiet.” The album is unsurprisingly cinematic, allowing various instruments to play their vivid roles, whether piano, synths, percussion, beautifully weighted in a form of quirky, atmospheric chamber and synth-pop. There’s not a track that doesn’t glisten gorgeously but standouts including the dream-like Peter And the Wolf, The Wandering (with MARO), Choir In The Wires, the title track with Oleena, and Gordon In The Willows with Cardin, but above all House On Fire with Wainwright, an exquisite, soaring, emotional chamber piece with the latter’s golden voice intertwining withe Watson’s restored tenor about a relationship breakdown: “I’ll be wrong / you’ll be right / I don’t mind / I just want to make it right.” Fragile, precious, and fabulous. Out on Secret City Records.
Patrick Watson
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