Review: Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport

Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport - July 6, 2012
Photos/Review: John Dabrowski

There could not have been a more perfect venue for Patrick Watson to perform in New York City than South Street Seaport. The boats rocking effortlessly back and forth. The skyscrapers standing tall as the sun drowns into darkness. As part of The River to River Festival 2012, Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear captivated the audience with tremendous sets of wonder and lightness. What is particularly pleasing about this festival is its reach. Many in attendance had no idea of the genius that are Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear, yet happened to stumble upon the stage and were swayed by the sounds.

Sweden’s Loney, Dear uplifts, delights and startles listeners with its finely combed, delicate music. As the set emerged, I watched as a beautiful, blonde child danced with her father and then proceeded to perform karate moves in sync with the rising tone of singer, Emil Svanängen. It was truly special to watch. Loney, Dear was honored to be able to play for the crowd, who allowed the music to wash over and cleanse. The audience even provided a nice F note to accompany one of their songs.

When Patrick Watson came on the stage, I could sense something magical was about to ignite. I was right. Hailing from Montreal, Patrick Watson recently released Adventur es in Your Own Backyard and this performance was his only NYC date until the fall. Light bulbs draped his piano and among the stage, blinking and dimming and shining alongside the haunting and hulking sound. There is a playfulness to the band and I could immediately sense their closeness. What Patrick Watson unleashes allows for connection and closeness, and the crowd was enamored, wanting more until the 9PM curfew came.

Both Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear allowed for their sets to awake and rejuvenate. Below, check out check out both of their current releases and future tour dates...

Patrick Watson opening for Andrew Bird tomorrow, playing intimate free show on Saturday

I’m just about finished reading Bob Mould’s excellent memoir See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage & Melody and there’s a section where he explains why he formed Sugar, shortly after releasing two albums under his own name. One of the main reasons for giving his then-current band a name, rather than continue performing under his own name, was the fact that he didn’t think anyone wanted to walk around with a t-shirt that said “Bob Mould” on it. He also states that this is why a lot of solo acts initially give themselves band names (Washed Out, Bright Eyes, etc.).

Which brings me to Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson, who fronts the band… Patrick Watson (quite the opposite of Mould’s reasoning). Though Watson (the songwriter) began releasing music as a solo artist in 2001, Patrick Watson (the band) have been releasing albums since 2003—and their excellent fourth album Adventures in Your Own Backyards was just released two weeks ago on Domino Records (that’s the album art above). Back in March, Rolling Stone named the band as among the 25 can’t-miss acts of SXSW and NPR predicted the record to be one of the best released in 2012. So there’s that… but also, the album—intricately layered with various instruments and detailed orchestration—is actually really great. You can listen to the album on Spotify right now.

Tomorrow night (5/4), Patrick Watson’s tour will hit New York City where they will open for Andrew Bird at the Beacon Theatre, for which tickets are still available. However, if you’re in the mood for a free show during the day on Saturday (5/5), head to Manhattan Inn in Brooklyn where Patrick will be holding a very intimate album release party for Adventures in Your Own Backyards. There is limited capacity, but the flier (as seen below) lists a 4:30pm doors – 5:00pm set time schedule. I would get there early to ensure entry.

Below check out Patrick Watson’s tour dates, as well their new video for “Into Giants”…