‘From The Blue’ by Emily Watts (EP)

Emily Watts: seems well aware of the truism that you only have once chance to make a good first impression

During the course of five songs, ‘From The Blue’ announces the Canterbury singer as a songwriter to be reckoned with.

Canterbury-based singer-songwriter Emily Watts seems well aware of the truism that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. In order to avoid the pitfalls of disappointment, she retreated to a beach hut in Tankerton where she wrote the basis of her debut EP. Watts has subsequently taken her time to ensure that the music matches her words and, in doing so, has created a beautiful opening statement.

When listening to each of the five tracks it is easy to imagine their humble beginnings. Stark and atmospheric, they conjure up images of a horizon awash with waves or a deserted shoreline reflecting the morning sun. Opener Falling places Watt’s captivating vocals against a backdrop of piano and synth. This combination proves equally effective throughout and there is power in its simplicity. The keys are the star on Shipwrecked, weaving their way through the song as it grows increasingly climatic.

The shimmering notes of Crossing The Bar close From The Blue in suitably eerie fashion. There is a mystical charm to Watts’ music which lingers like a welcome spectre. First impressions seldom leave their mark in such a dramatic fashion.

Verdict: Dramatic yet stark, atmospheric yet simple.

Duncan Haskell

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