Patrick Watson, the name of both this band and its lead singer, are yet another prodigious talent from Montreal, making you wonder what they're putting in the water over there. This double-A side is their first single release in the UK, with both tracks taken from their second album, Close To Paradise.
First up is the stunning piano-led Luscious Life. Comparisons with Jeff Buckley are inevitable with Watson's gentle, soaring vocals building to a climax over a slightly chaotic, primarily 7/4, time signature.
The Storm doesn't reach the same heights but shows a different side of the band. This time guitar-led with Watson backed by haunting vocals and strange ghostly instruments, there's a real menace as the storm gets closer.
Musically an ambitious band who are gaining success and award nominations back at home, Patrick Watson is and are a wonderful addition to the musical landscape over here. Keep ‘em coming Montreal!