THE WATSON TWINS > Fire Songs

The title of this collection, Chandra and Leigh’s first long-player sans Jenny Lewis, is deceptive: On the Scoville scale the tracks would rate Bell pepper not Scotch Bonnet.Label: Vanguard
[RATING: 3]

The title of this collection, Chandra and Leigh’s first long-player sans Jenny Lewis, is deceptive: On the Scoville scale the tracks would rate Bell pepper not Scotch Bonnet. The scintillating gospel harmonies, that lent haunting grace to Rabbit Fur Coat, though present, are doused or recessed here. All 11 tracks, including the Cure cover “Just Like Heaven,” are so mellow that they skirt the outer boundaries of tepid and bland. What keeps the record from crossing those make or brake lines are the Twin’s vocal charms, able keyboard, horn and cello arrangements, and the fine analog producing/mixing of Russell Pollard and J. Soda. Lyrically unremarkable, Fire Songs’ alt. Americana is undoubtedly easy to listen to. Or is it just Easy Listening?