ACCIOMIXTAPE: July 2014

pre-review warning: I am a superfan and so seeing Lewis finally release this album has been an important experience so please don't hate me for my heinous prejudice

sounds like: a sad Ben Howard

(photo creds theguardian.com)

I've been in a slump recently - finding something to write about has been hard. I've found little inspiration in the places that usually set my creative gears to go. I always like to write when it rains because I become wrapped up in the way the whole world stops for a little while as you hear the droplets softly strumming against your Window(s) (ayyyyyyyyyyyyyye). But, honestly, lately there's little that has been able to provoke creativity. Other writers can find it in music because, if you're listening to the right stuff, it's really an extension of poetry and the heart, however I can seldom find pieces of music that evoke sparks of inspiration (though the Hippie Sabotage remix of Tove Lo's Stay High is a lil bit of alright). However, the skies today are clear and so it seems that Lewis Watson (that NERd) has released an album exceptional enough to ignite my creative juices once more. thank u lewiz x

hello from lewis and i (and my sister's SHIT photography tekkers)

The Morning opens tremendously [insert colossally uncool reference about how there hasn't been a better start to an album since 'State of Grace' from Taylor Swift's Red (dem drums blud)]. 'Stones Around The Sun' is an eerie, acidic track that seems very lost-in-a-forest-ish with crashing drum crescendos and whispery, desperate vocals. It's spacey and strangely subtle yet a real monster of a song. It may be offbeat to those who seek his more typical twangy folk guitar, but it remains a gratifying surprise.

Still these acoustic ballad chasers are not left disappointed as The Morning is bountiful with unplugged crooning. The reassuring nature of 'Halo' is likely to become a hymn for anyone feelings of inadequacy, but still sort of manages to be a little bit redolent of James Blunt's urrrr beautifaalllllll (no need to take offence, what a banger). Continuing with this essence is 'Sink or Swim' which remains virtually untouched from it's original 2012 release. Unscathed is the honeyed integration of rumbling percussion and rich harmonies that his fans fell in love with not so long ago.

The recycling of old tracks that made the Oxford native a social media sensation extends with the song I selected to be my favourite of 2013: 'Into The Wild' encompasses Lewis' songwriting talent. Stunning, husky vocals prove to be a perfect way to showcase his lyrical peak and exude an aura of pure magic. Definitely a contender for best song from The Morning. Another impeccable example of this comes from a pumped-up version of 'Windows'. It's incredibly difficult to discuss this song as it's probably my favourite ever written ever (yes, even on par with Wish You Were Here o man!), and the only way to describe it justly is for you to close your eyes and think of every enchanting word you know. These are the words I would use to describe 'Windows' because they're all that come to mind when I submerge myself in its loveliness.

He consistently hits all the marks in appealing to his demographic and easing in seamlessly with the army of already established young singer-songwriters, such as Benjamin Francis Leftwich, however this slips away a teeny bit with the very pop radio friendly 'Close', complete with fuzzy sing-song lyrics and athemic production. Track 2, 'Holding On' (not to be confused with his SBTRKT cover), is also upbeat and ready for ya foot tap along, yet still drips with Watson's signature sorrow. The new folk music Rat Pack - Hudson Taylor, Saint Raymond, Charlie Simpson (yes, eyebrow lad from Busted), Kimberly Anne - contribute in the recording of the bewildering tale of a relationship slipping from one's fingertips ("if I bide my time / I'll get lost like a tear in the rain").

The lighthearted merrimet doesn't last for long as the divine harmonies of 'Ghost' transition sublimely into lead single 'Stay' - a song that not only centres around an indefectible falsetto, but also has the coolest back story of all time. Though he tells the tale of 'Outgrow' as a whimsical Art Attack anecdote, the song itself is anything but. It is awful. But, of course, not in the shit way; in the best possible way, simply because it hits home. The saddest thing is it's honest, and so therefore completely heartbreaking and kind of a slap in the face - growing up is bloody hard, bro but coming to terms with it is even harder. When you think that much melancholy at once wasn't enough, the album neatly comes to a close with the heart wrenching 'Castle Street' being hurled at your head and you seem to wonder "HEY, LEWIS WATSON, U JERK! WHATEVER DID I DO TO YOU FOR YOU TO MAKE ME FEEL THIS WAY?????????".

And though I dislike (!) secret tracks, Lewis includes one anyway. I'm pretty sure it's called 'The Morning', and it greatly echoes his very early EPs while clearly drawing inspiration from his fellow singer-songwriters, specifically reminiscent of original mun man Matt Corby. But if that wasn't enough to feed your Watson thirst, the deluxe edition features every song ever recorded by Lewis and so is basically the Bible for any devotee. It also features an array of fantastic unheard demos (featuring a pre-#3 #3 demo that is so frickin bubs).

The Morning proves to be achingly poetic and really sets the stage for what could be a starlighted career, and us fans couldn't be prouder. But one thing's for certain - just because he plays the guitar does not mean he's the next fucking Ed Sheeran x