The bewitching vocal harmonies of the Watson Twins and the twangs of Ben Kweller's acoustic guitar serenaded a cheering audience last Friday night when the three performed at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
Beginning promptly at 8:00 p.m., The Watson Twins started off the night on a high note by opening with a short set filled with memorable covers. The Twins displayed patent gratitude by greeting the crowd warmly.
"We're very excited you're here. And our mom's here," Leigh Watson said to the crowd.
Between songs Leigh and Chandra Watson--vocalists of the Watson Twins--engaged in a witty repartee, leaving audience members absorbed by their words. The Twins managed to maintain a carefree attitude, although their songs dripped with obvious passion and emotion.
"The atmosphere was cozy and laid-back, lots of warm fuzzy feelings," Sophomore Liz Amadio said. "I enjoyed the part (of the Watson Twin's performance) I saw. It's so lovely when they harmonize."
During their performance, The Twins exhibited their talent by switching off playing instruments including an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and tambourine. Combining the jangling sounds off a bluesy bass and a rockabilly piano, the simpering twins' backing band effectively completed their songs, providing a fully developed sound.
Clad in matching boots and dark clothes, the twins danced to their songs, which led to the crowd following by tapping their feet to the syncopated pulses of the staggered drumbeat.
After a rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine," by Bill Withers, the Twins went on to perform a flawed but honest cover of "Just Like Heaven," by The Cure. Missing a few lines in the bridge of the song, Leigh Watson apologized before starting again from the start.
Leigh Watson said she forgot the easy lyrics while trying to remember the difficult ones.
"Sorry I had to start that over. You can't do that to The Cure, you have to do it right," Leigh Watson said.
After playing an intimate, enjoyable set, the twins graciously thanked the audience and invited them to visit at the merchandise table at the front of the theater where they would be selling their recently released album and t-shirts.
After a short break, Ben Kweller took to the stage at about 9:00 p.m. By the time he began playing, the Buskirk-Chumley had filled up, with many audience members abandoning their seats to stand closer to the stage. Union Board director Caitlyn Kuhs said that the theater was only about 80 people short of full capacity. Union Board booked and presented the show.
With dramatic lighting playing off his garish, bright red blazer, Kweller easily captured the audience's attention. Kweller performed a long set featuring many songs from his recently released album, "Changing Horses." Kweller's new songs did not garner nearly as much attention or acclaim as his seminal hits like "Sundress" and "On My Way." His attitude and performance also smacked of a false sense of entitlement. While switching between piano and acoustic guitar, Kweller said he was "trying the best [he] can with this raggedy old voice."
His languid alt-country arrangements and sophomoric on-stage antics--featuring high kicks, poor dancing and broken guitar strings--left a dreadful image of an irreverent buffoon in my mind. However, audience members continued to cheer, dance and sing along to Kweller's yelping, childish voice.
The show was absolutely worth my time, " Amadio said. "Even when he broke some strings, he just hopped over to the piano and whipped out 'Falling,' which just so happens to be one of my favorites."
Kweller finished up his lackluster set by playing "Penny On The Train Track," for a taciturn encore. The entire show--which started off well, and ended poorly--ended at 10:30 p.m.
Watson Twins Grade: A-
Ben Kweller Grade: C+
Reviewed by Yahya Chaudhry
IDS Phtotos by Kelsey Ellefson
