KERRI WATT

Glaswegian singer-songwriter Kerri Watt has recently released her highly anticipated debut album 'Neptune's Daughter', which is available on CD and cassette (available exclusively from Kerri Watt Official Store).  The release of the album was delayed due to the ongoing global pandemic, 'Neptune's Daughter' was recorded in 2018 with Texas based producer Machine (Clutch, Lamb of God, Fallout Boy).  When Kerri was told that Machine was interested in work with her on this album, although he sits on the other end of the genre scale, she jumped at the opportunity, she mentioned "I loved the idea of joining forces with someone from a totally different genre to bring something unique to the sound.  Machine and I spoke at length about the sound of the album, influences, bands/playlists/moods we liked and found we had a lot in common".  It's a partnership that clearly worked.  As Kerri looked to expand her sonic pallette past her Americana roots, Machine brought the infusion of other genres that were integral to Kerri's musical upbringing, all ensuring the original songs essence stayed intact.  The songs that Kerri brought to the studio were given a new edge with elements of rock, blues, and contemporary pop, producing mesmerising results.  Complementing the evolution of her sound was a team of top session players in Austin, Texas, "The fine result perfectly encapsulated the 5 weeks Machine and I spent experimenting and creating magic at his studio with some incredible Austin players" Kerri mentions.

2020's highlights have included a BBC 5LIVE session for Laura Whitmore, a Mahogany/COVERS Session on YouTube, playing at Celtic Connections and Americana Fest, a One To Watch for 2020 feature in Maverick magazine, plus an Under The Apple Tree Session. 

Talking on the album Kerri mentions "It feels like years of work and passion are coming to fruition and I'm finally getting to share a full body of work.  There's some really fun, light tracks mixed with darker moments, and scattered throughout are a few subtle references to some of my musical heroes that I'm hoping fans will have fun picking out!  After years of experimenting with different sounds and ideas, I've written a piece that I hop will have something for every kind of person and be the positive start we all need for 2021".

'All The Worse For Me' opens this album up with a bang, there is no messing about with this track.  Those grungy/gritty guitar riffs are just meant for the stage and will no doubt get the crowd going.  The beat of the bass and drums combined with the distorted saturated vocals from Kerri makes this just an out and out rock anthem.  The edge to her vocals in the verse, with that low to the ground stomping beat from the instrumentation gets right inside your head and you just can't help but nod your head along to it.  The verse builds nicely to the massive chorus, with a sound that will be fitting for a stadium.  Those low frequencies ring right through your ears and the track just oozes rock n roll from every corner.  It will definitely slot right into any Artic Monkeys fan playlist.

'Kissing Fools' brings those country rock sounds, mixing jazzy undertones from the piano, rock rhythms from the guitars and pop melodies from the vocals, you just know this one is going to be another banger.  There is an instant uplifting feel when the beat kicks in and it will definitely get you up dancing around your room.  It is all about that bass line especially in the verses, the bass line is the prominent force with the other instruments dancing over the top and Kerri's vocals holding on to that edginess and distortion, but so clear and crisp you will pick up on the catchy melody and the lyrics in no time.

'Chasing Aeroplanes' is yet another country rock banger and if you aren't up dancing yet then you definitely will be with this track.  This song builds continuously on that uplifting and feel good vibe with the pulled back beat in the verses, then builds into the huge chorus filled with rich instrumentation and warm vocals. 

'Band of Gold' and 'Jessie' are probably the tracks that have the deeper country rock/americana vibes, especially in the guitars, piano and vocals, and the harmonica heard in 'Jessie'.  There is a slight swing rhythm to the beat in 'Band of Gold' setting the track up nicely to the heartwarming guitar solo that gives the comforting aura gushing with feel good vibes.  Kerri's singing style in 'Jessie' is so unique in the sense that you can hear both the southern drawl mixed with her Scottish accent making it such a stand out song.

'Neptunes Daughter' which is the title track and 'Waking up in California' both bring those funky piano rhythms, strong bass line with percussive drums that will have you putting your hands in the air and swaying along too.  Again it builds on that feel good factor and you can't help but smile with these track.

'Cut Me Loose' is very similar in style to 'All The Worse For Me' going back to those gritty muddy guitar riffs, that familiar low stomping beat and the distorted vocals that you feel right in your core. 

'Hellfire' is the first track where we don't hear any of the gritty guitar riffs we have come to love from this album and the first to have a melancholy feel to it.  The intense piano melody, fierce drums and the light intricate harp accompanying the vocals.  There is so much intense emotion in this track that creates a compelling atmosphere and you can feel the fire in Kerri's vocal delivery. 

'Spoonful of Sugar' leans more on the pop side, but doesn't stray from the over style of the album, you can still hear those jazzy/blues rhythms in the guitars as well as those country rock tones and the vocal delivery from Kerri is so captivating  that you will no doubt pick up the lyrics very quickly, a fun upbeat song that you can dance to.

'You Can't Catch Me' is just an upbeat groovy country rock bop, taking us back to the deep driving bass line we have been hearing throughout the album, allowing the guitars to soar and her vocals to come through.  The percussion on the drumbeat adds in a little hint of salsa into it and that is just something I love in this album, when you dig into the instrumentation you can hear the little hints of other genres and this is how Kerri pulls you in more and more to this record. 

'I Wanna Sing For You' ends the album with a beautiful piano ballad, with the guitar accompanying the piano perfectly.  Both powerful in their performance but do not overpower the vocals at all, they allow the vocals and stunning vocal harmonies to shine through.  After all that dancing you have probably done throughout the album, this track is here to tug at your heart strings, have you closing your eyes and just listening.

There is also acoustic versions of 'Chasing Aeroplanes', 'Cut Me Loose', 'Kissing Fools', 'Band of Gold', 'Hellfire' and 'Jessie' on the deluxe digital edition!

The production of this album is so solid, with every single element of each song so tightly produced and incredibly mixed.  It is definitely an album that screams out Kerri is here and she is here to stay.  There is so much passion and heart in this album and it shines through tremendously,  with country rock at its root intertwining different genres to create a sound that feels totally fresh yet familiar at the same time, it is an album filled with so much dynamic that commands your attention.

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