FRAIL TALK/WATCHHOUSE
Frail Talk/Watchhouse, Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA 10/15/2025
As a newer fan of Watchhouse, I was thrilled to see them perform at the historic Keswick Theater; a venue steeped in local charm and musical legacy. The evening opened with Frail Talk, an indie-folk band from Fort Collins, Colorado, who describe their sound as “squiggly music for squiggly people.” Like Watchhouse, Frail Talk features dual lead vocalists, with Cor Wright taking the mic for the first few songs before Alex Woodcheck stepped forward to lead the rest of the set. Their voices blended beautifully throughout, creating rich harmonies that carried through the theater.
A standout moment from their performance was “Little Al,” a song brimming with the spirit of adventure and self-discovery. By the end of their set, the Philly crowd erupted in well-deserved applause; a warm sendoff for an opener that perfectly set the tone for the night.
When Watchhouse took the stage, the audience’s energy surged once again. They opened with “Shape,” one of the standout tracks from their new album Rituals, and followed it up with “Beyond Meaning,” continuing the thematic flow of the tour. The performance showcased the stunning vocal interplay between Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz, their harmonies weaving together with precision and emotion that kept listeners hanging on every note.
At one point, Andrew shared the story behind “Cavalry,” explaining that he wrote it from the perspective of the horses in The Lord of the Rings, a charming and unexpected insight into one of my favorite Watchhouse songs. Later, when they launched into “Wildfire,” the entire audience joined in, swaying and singing along in unison.
Midway through the set, the rest of the band stepped offstage, leaving Andrew and Emily alone under a spotlight on each of them. The stripped-down moment added an intimate touch, highlighting the duo’s chemistry and musicianship. Toward the end of the show, the full band returned, gathering around one microphone under that same gentle light to close out the night in perfect harmony.
Watchhouse’s performance at the Keswick Theater was a masterclass in warmth, connection, and artistry; a night that reminded everyone in the room why live music feels so magical.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen
