Patrick Watson makes music that seems to come from a special place, where emotions are fragile and words whispered. And while that might sound a recipe for ill-conceived pop, the electronic textures of Better in the Shade, the new one out today via Secret City Records, make this one succeed admirably.
"Height of the Feeling", a single and highlight here, is elegant electro-pop, similar to moments found on Air and Dave Depper releases, while "Little Moments" marries a Sakamoto-ish keyboard figure with hushed, nearly whispered vocals from Watson. It works, as does lots here, almost in spite of the precious nature of the whole undertaking. The album is only 21 minutes, so there's barely time to get too pretentious about things, and Watson wisely keeps things simple, direct, and affecting at every moment here.
Better in the Shade is out today. More details below.
[Photo: Ilenia Tesoro]