Indie darlings heat things up

The indie rock leanings of Ben Kweller and the melodious vocal harmonies of The Watson Twins will unite when the three perform Friday night at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

The musicians are touring in support of their most recent albums.

Kweller released “Changing Horses” earlier this month. The new effort marks a departure from his traditional indie-pop sound.

“Always known best for his indie-rock ballads and anti-folk melodies, ‘Changing Horses,’ reveals the country side of this Texas boy,” Kweller’s publicist Nicole Orb said in an e-mail interview. “It’s still Ben Kweller, but this time with a twang – complete with multi-part harmonies and immaculate pedal steel.”

The Watson Twins released “Fire Songs” in June of last year, which followed their collaborative album “Rabbit Fur Coat,” featuring Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley.

The sisters spent some time in Bloomington a few years ago, rehearsing with local favorites Magnolia Electric Company before the two bands embarked on a national tour.

Attendees can expect a more developed style from the songs off the Twins new album, Leigh Watson said in an e-mail interview.

“Well, we’re evolving, or at least that’s how I see it,” she said. “The new songs are of course harmonies and all the good stuff (The) Watson Twins is made of, but some different influences are taking the spotlight on the new jams.”

Leigh Watson said she and sister Chandra love working with Kweller.

“We are vibing out with his new record, and (we’re) going to do a song together,” she said. “Ben is an amazing musician and performer so being on the road with him will be a real treat.”

Audience members can expect a new cover song by the band and some different arrangements.

The Twins already covered Neil Young’s “Powderfinger” for the American Laundromat Records compilation charity album “Cinnamon Girl – Women Artists Cover Neil Young for Charity,” released in February 2008.

Leigh Watson is hoping for a warm reception at the show, anticipating a frigid winter tour.

“We live in L.A. and the cold nights aren’t something we’re used to,” she said.
Union Board’s concert committee is presenting the Ben Kweller and Watson Twins show. The student organization booked Kweller because they believed he appeals to a college crowd, said concert committee director Caitlyn Kuhs.

She also said that bringing Kweller adds variety to the acts Union Board books, and the tickets have been selling steadily.

Sophomore Andrew Voorhees said he expects a good performance.

“I expect both Ben Kweller and The Watson Twins to perform well, as they are solid national acts who are gaining more and more appeal as their musical careers progress,” he said.