Talking to You, Talking to Me

On their sophomore album, Chandra and Leigh Watson wrap themselves in an alluring blend of Southern-accented sounds and classic pop textures, moving beyond the twins’ talents for vocal harmonies into more challenging territory. At times, the album’s tracks suggest the sultry countrypolitan sounds of Shelby Lynne; at others, the cool European vibes of Dido or Tracey Thorn come to mind. Mostly, though, the Watson Twins sound like themselves, negotiating emotional minefields with a nervous elegance as their backup combo slinks and simmers behind them. The bump-along shuffle of “Devil In You” and the chugging organ-driven groove of “Harpeth River” set off the twins’ vocal interplay nicely. The Watsons can sound positively sultry in tracks like “Midnight,” then infuse tunes like “Snow Canyons” with wistful introspection. The slow burn of “U ‘n’ Me” brings the album to a cathartic conclusion. The Watson Twins manage to combine all of these styles surprisingly well, forging an identity out of diversity. Talking to You, Talking to Me speaks with confidence and passion.