Despite not being the most imaginative of titles, Lewis WatsonÔÇÖs fifth EP ÔÇÿSome Songs With Some FriendsÔÇÖ does exactly what it says on the tin. After launching his career on YouTube, WatsonÔÇÖs popularity and recognition has accelerated with each EP release, and ÔÇÿSome Songs With Some FriendsÔÇÖ documents his ongoing progression as an artist. The lead track ÔÇÿEven IfÔÇÖ was initially released on his second EP, ÔÇÿAnother Four Sad SongsÔÇÖ, yet it now features a more extensive production to heighten WatsonÔÇÖs angst of his ÔÇÿbig mistakeÔÇÖ. Even with the support of a full band, the song still remains sincere in its message and sustains a level of intimacy with the listener, which is reassuring that the heartfelt songwriting of WatsonÔÇÖs origins has not been disregarded.
The following three tracks of the EP feature Watson collaborating with fellow musicians, putting their own spin on some of his favourite songs. Gabrielle Aplin, who also took to the internet to promote her music, joins Watson on the first track, covering Jason Reeves and Colbie CaillatÔÇÖs ÔÇÿDropletsÔÇÖ. The duet is stripped back to just an acoustic guitar, a familiar simplicity from WatsonÔÇÖs early songwriting, allowing us to appreciate the harmonious intertwining of their voices. The third track takes a different atmosphere, as Watson and Kimberly Anne give a haunting rendition of Everything EverythingÔÇÖs ÔÇÿThe PeaksÔÇÖ. The mellow opening guitar riffs and powerful bass line drive the song forward, yet paradoxically achieve a sense of tranquility. The trackÔÇÖs rich, soulful sound is a refreshing comparison amongst the EPÔÇÖs other acoustic songs, and WatsonÔÇÖs interpretation highlights his diversifying production that points beyond the boundaries of an acoustic artist.
The Irish duo Hudson Taylor collaborates with Watson for a cover of ÔÇÿColorblindÔÇÖ, originally by Counting Crows. The trioÔÇÖs voices blend effortlessly, complemented by the expressive counter melody on the violin and heavily pulsing percussion. ItÔÇÖs clear to see from ÔÇÿSome Songs With Some FriendsÔÇÖ that WatsonÔÇÖs music is evolving, as he is experimenting with a broader spectrum of instrumentation which adds musical interest. With each EP release, Lewis WatsonÔÇÖs sound is maturing, showing promise for his long-awaited debut album in the not too distant future.