The Watson Twins: Soprano Squared

Indie-folk-country duo The Watson Twins, who recently performed at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, are remarkable in more ways than one.

Yes, they are unusually tall identical female twins from Louisville, Ky., who have the ability to produce flawless harmonies. And yes, they achieved national acclaim when they collaborated with singer Jenny Lewis of indie-rock band Rilo Kiley on Lewis’s first solo album “Rabbit Fur Coat,” which was met with great response from indie-rock and folk fans alike.

But what makes The Watson Twins able to push past the identical-twin act persona and deliver a more meaningful performance to the national music scene is that they truly are skilled.

The Watson Twins mirror their voices in a lovely and natural harmony, even sounding as if they were singing as they calmly joked with the crowd between numbers. The twins howled soft soprano vocals, but their unique harmony is what sets them apart from other singers.

A comfortable dynamic existed between The Watson Twins and their onlookers throughout the set.

“Between the audience and The Watson Twins, there seemed to be an enthusiastic energy,” said junior Bradley Steinman.

Red and pink lights set the mood along with the rockabilly keyboard, staggered drum beat and the confident duo on the microphone. The crowd seemed to have a connected rapport with the opening performance of Chandra and Leigh backed by their band. The girls and their band performed passionately and certainly made a statement before they were followed by tour mate, Ben Kweller.

The twins said that besides feeling happy, it felt great to play in Bloomington for such a warm audience that included their mom and close friends.

Their indie-alternative sound was weaved with a country twang and enhanced by Chandra on the harmonica. A guitar, a trumpet and a tambourine also snuck their way into the groove.

Perhaps their versatile range of instruments can attribute to the twins’ unique sound.

“The random trumpet definitely spiced it up and made the songs really interesting,” said freshman Drew Snyder.

The audience appeared most involved with their renditions of Bill Wither’s 1971 song “Ain’t No Sunshine” and The Cure’s 1987 hit “Just Like Heaven,” when The Watson Twins invited the crowd to sing along.

Complimentary to the twins’ sound was their sense of style.

If one wasn’t absorbed in listening to these girls, one is eyeing all six feet of these beautiful twins up and down. Leigh suitably aligned their country music feel with a rural vintage outfit, dressed in a high-waisted, small-patterned skirt, into which a well-contrasted black shirt was tucked. All of it was tied together with a chunky belt. The red tights and lace-up boots were what made the getup pop.

Chandra had a glam vibe but kept her country roots intact with her black high-wasited jeans. A silky, dark blue blouse tucked into her pants flattered her long legs. The glam came into play on her neck, which dripped with dazzling necklaces.

Alongside their vocal talent and wicked fashion sense is their confident onstage stance. While singing and playing several instruments, the musicians were dancing to the beat and enjoying the entirety of the performance. They seem truly bonded to the melody and the lights and in tune with the audience.

2006 marked the release of their debut EP “Southern Manners” followed by the 2008 album “Fire Songs.” Eager to keep moving, their steady growth from providing backing vocals to existing as musicians in their own right, The Watson Twins won’t soon be forgotten.