Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz, better known as the folk duo Watchhouse, have a knack for creating music that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. Their sound, an elegant blend of acoustic guitar, mandolin and rich harmonies, has evolved over the years without losing its core essence. The North Carolina band will perform at the Cistern Yard on June 5 for Spoleto Festival USA.
Watchhouse, formerly called Mandolin Orange, has undergone a transformation that goes beyond just a name change. As Marlin explained to Rolling Stone, “We wanted a name that reflects our true intentions and the direction our music is heading.” This shift has allowed the duo to explore more personal and introspective themes in its newly self-titled 2021 album “Watchhouse,” bringing a fresh depth to their already compelling catalog.
Musically, Watchhouse has expanded its palette in terms of diversifying its instrumentations and experimenting with more labyrinthine and layered harmonies. “Better Way” brings the case in point by adding a lush string arrangement while also maintaining the traditional folky, introspective lyrics.
Frantz echoed this sentiment in an interview with NPR when he said the album “represents a new chapter for us, one where we feel more connected to our music and to each other than ever before.” The connection is palpable, with each track unfolding like a carefully told story as the band invites listeners into its world of folk, Americana, bluegrass, pop and traditional stories.
While growing creatively, Watchhouse still preserves the roots of folk music while also pushing its boundaries. Tracks like “Wildfire” and “Belly of the Beast” showcase their prowess in classic storytelling and maintaining a diverse soundscape. We’re always looking for ways to challenge ourselves musically,” Frantz told Paste magazine, “to find new ways to express old truths.”
Judging from previous Watchhouse concerts, the Spoleto experience will be both intimate and expansive. Known for their understated stage presence, Watchhouse excels at creating a space where the music speaks for itself.
In an interview with American Songwriter, Marlin described the duo’s desire “to create an atmosphere where the audience can really immerse themselves in the music; where they can feel the stories we are telling.” This approach has garnered her and Frantz a dedicated fan base, drawn to their ability to make even the largest venues feel like a cozy living room.
Their upcoming performance at Spoleto is a tribute to their ongoing journey as artists.
Shirin Gupta, an Arts Journalism and Communications graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, is a creative storyteller who writes about some of her views on her blog page popCulture Baazar.
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