FAMILY STEREO
The Thread (Bella Union)
Blake Watt’s debut album is a folky fever dream of a listen: as soon as the needle hits the groove on The Thread, it’s clear he’s a serious songwriter, with an element of maturity that surpasses his 25 years of age. Think of the unfussy songs of onetime Byrd Gene Clark, or the heartfelt directness of Jeff Buckley, and you will be close to the vibe Watt creates as Family Stereo.
His musical alias feels appropriate: he’s the son of Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, the nucleus of Everything But The Girl, so you can imagine the likes of Buckley and Clark being part of a Sunday afternoon home playlist. Certainly, The Thread upholds this family’s sonic legacy. Waiting On Nina is a work of beauty enriched by a pedal steel accompaniment, and the showstopping Tunnels packs a hefty emotional punch through both its words and music. A highly accomplished work of timeless songwriting elegance from an artist standing firmly on his own two feet.
words DAVID NOBAKHT
