Meet David Watkyns: singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist hailing from the Mother City. You might know him from his performances with SA rock-supergroup Springbok Nude Girl, but his industry experience ranges far wider.
He holds song writing credits for the likes of Mike Rutherford (Genesis), Jack Hardman (Good Boy), Zolani Mahola and Judith Sephuma, and he’s played countless international festivals, having nurtured his musical talents in jazz studies at the University of Cape Town.
But, like anyone acquainted with the behind-the-scenes of song writing, his craving to launch a solo career has slowly been mounting, coming to fruition in the form of his debut album, No Other Love.
It’s a loved-up offering through and through, full of lush instrumentation, nostalgic production and vivid storytelling. Grooving bass lines meet soaring brass sections in true Nude Girls style, however Watkyns is forging a sound entirely his own, drawing influence from the likes of The 1975, Peter Gabriel, Johnny Clegg and New Radicals.
Singles “Magic” and “Tonight” fall on the catchier side of things, while tracks like “One More Time” and “Singing at Your Window” amp up Watkyns’ acoustic sentimental tendencies.
The wailing guitars and immersive vocal runs of “Belong To You” bring an added depth to this deeply personal album, but it’s a feeling that is, perhaps, best felt on the title track. The meeting point of his various stylistic ideas, Watkyns’ anthemic evocation of lost love runs deep.
Planning a road-trip sometime soon? Put this album on and enjoy the drive.
Feature pic supplied by artist
