Building on previous work, Watchhouse—formerly Mandolin Orange—offer their eighth album, Rituals. While Andrew Marlin assumes the majority of lead-vocal duties, Emily Frantz’s supporting parts are integral, giving the tracks depth and range. Additionally, the couple make use of assorted instruments, including bouzouki, harmonium, pump organ, and fiddle. The result is a sequence that underscores the duo’s songwriting skills and their enduring chemistry.
“The world it moves fast,” Marlin and Frantz sing together on opener “Shape,” addressing how the ways of the world can leave us confused and dissatisfied, tossed about “to and fro”. “All Around You,” with its loping cadence and repeated reference to “home,” brings to mind the Simon & Garfunkel hit, though Marlin’s voice is decidely country-inflected. As with “Shape” (and much of the album), Marlin questions the ways in which we’re conditioned to get ahead and be constantly productive (“what a busy life we lead / just working towards what end”).
