Single Review
Kerri Watt – You EP
This is the second EP from Scottish singer songwriter Kerri Watt, following 2014’s rather good Who’s Loving Me Now. Produced by Tom Fuller, who has worked with Mumford & Sons and Robbie Williams, and again released on Libertines drummer Gary Powell’s 25 Hour Convenience Store label, the four tracks show a clear progression. Watt’s musical approach is coming together nicely, a confident and bright pop sound with a touch of soul that is radio friendly but has substance too.
You is a lovely heartfelt song that expresses feelings of being used in past relationships. But what is impressive is that the tone of the lyrics is never self pitying; rather there is a defiance from someone determined to move on. The strength is reflected in Watt’s vocals which are soft and melodic yet seem to contain an inner steel. The following Got My Heart has more of a soft rock feel, with some nice guitar work featured in a good love song with a smooth vocal delivery. And when Watt’s voice soars in the chorus she shows she has power to go with her melodic tones.
Paris has become something of a live favourite for Kerri Watt and it is easy to see why. A bright and lively song with a catchy chorus and a fast pace, this one stands out as perhaps the best of the four tracks. The closing song Maybe is slightly slower and builds from an organ intro. Again the combination of strong defiant lyrics and smooth vocal delivery works very well for Watt, and the chorus is catchy. It seems like just a touch of Californian sun has been added to the mix here.
This EP shows more of a coherent musical style than Kerri Watt’s eclectic debut did, and her signwriting is noticeable more mature. Watt has a melodic voice with a lovely soulful edge, and these four tracks show that she could be on the edge of a breakthrough with this release.
Venue: You EP
Support Band: 25 Hour Convenience Store