(Secondary) First Impressions : Watchhouse (fmr. Mandolin Orange) “Better Way”

The folk and roots world woke up to some surprising changes this morning when the duo of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz announced that their collective Mandolin Orange would be moving forward under a new moniker, Watchhouse. With that announcement comes a new website, explanation for the change and a brand new tune with accompanying video.

Regarding the change, “Mandolin Orange was born out of my 21-year-old mind. The name isn’t what I strive for when I write, because it doesn’t match what I picture when I invite people into my songs, new or old,” admits Marlin. “We have long been burdened by the dichotomy between our band name and the music we strive to create—if you’ve heard the songs, you know they are personal. Now that we can see a future where music is a shared experience again, we’re defining the space we share.”

I get that sentiment. With a name like Mandolin Orange, I suspect for those just learning about the band or seeing them on a festival schedule like Bonnaroo or Pickathon where a broad spectrum of genre shares the bill, folks may automatically come to their own conclusions about the music. And while “bluegrass” isn’t a bad box to be in, it seems as though this name change will mark a line in the sand for Frantz, Marlin and their collaborative musician collective to explore a vast landscape of, perhaps previously, uncharted sonic space.

Over the near decade that I have been in love with Andrew’s writing and he and Emily’s collective voice, there have already been changes, adaptions and an evolution of their sound. Adding players; adding drums, keys, electric guitars; all of this has transformed and only lifted their sound and abilities…and most importantly the songs and words therein.

“We’re different people than when we started this band,” says Marlin. “We’re setting new intentions, taking control of this thing again.”

“Better Way” sees that evolution direct and head on. The video, an almost monochromatic, psychedelic journey as Marlin and Frantz sing across to one another. Interchanging close-ups of instruments as visuals reverberate outward. A flamenco guitar-esque frail brushing across a throbbing bass line beneath. Gentle fiddle bowing enters, entrancing and treading careful. The song ebbing and flowing, and then taking a moment to relish in a reprieve of floating instruments, strings abound, ever so airy and elegant. Beautiful in its own way.

Oh, and the harmonies, oh those harmonies are there. There is of course mandolin trilling delicately, acoustic instruments as a hearty part of the mix, but there is a different flavor deeply embedded here. A richness that they have always managed to captivate listeners with, but with a new type of vulnerability, that I suppose in many ways comes with baring yourself in a new light. A light that shines just as bright as what came before this new chapter and illuminates a path for these beautiful beings that I truly cannot wait to unearth more of.

Give a listen today, friends.