Patrick Watson, as well known for winning the Polaris Prize as for lending his songs to Grey’s Anatomy and The Walking Dead, is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who gleefully subverts the indie rock genre.
On his fifth album, he and his long-time band mix piano balladry and warm sci-fi synth lines (an ironic pairing that only Watson and Co. could pull off so beautifully) with hypnotic drumming and moaning slide guitar. The Montrealer’s vocals drift over the intricately layered soundscapes, giving an intimate feel to the emotionally charged songs. It’s a clash of styles that’s a classic Watson take on experimental pop.
Yet once the 10 songs are over, you don’t remember much about them. Plenty of bits tug on the heartstrings, but only in the moment. Once that swelling piano ceases or Watson stops singing, the goosebumps disappear.
Top track: Good Morning Mr. Wolf
Patrick Watson plays the CBC Music Festival at Echo Beach on May 23.
