Black Watch at Stereo Embers

Here’s a question: is it preferable, in terms of consistent quality, for a hyper-prolific ‘cult’ band to stay that way, to maintain that staunch underground status rather than cross over into the broader spotlight? Though it shall remain an open question bandied about mostly by critics and geeks (as if there’s a difference), there’s nonetheless,… Continue reading Black Watch at Stereo Embers

Black Watch at Slug Magazine

For their impressive 18th release, the LA-based indie group The Black Watch put together a collection of earnest songs that seem to both expand and contain the audible emotional complexity of their primary songwriter, John Andrew Frederick. The album title is a nod an outtake gem found in The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,”… Continue reading Black Watch at Slug Magazine

Black Watch at Magnet

After 20-plus years, L.A. indie-pop group the Black Watch are calling it quits. Their last release, Sugarplum Fairy, Sugarplum Fairy, came out in early November, with all instruments, save drums, done by TBW songwriter John Andrew Fredrick. The title track is short, clocking in at about 1:30, and sweet, consisting of dreamy acoustic guitar bliss,… Continue reading Black Watch at Magnet

The Black Watch at Big Takeover (print)

One of Jack Rabid’s top picks in the latest print edition: John Andrew Fredrick intends this as the final tBW LP, which is understandable on a commercial, not artistic level. Perhaps the even dozen he’s eked out to negligible notice since 1988 with various LA lineups will become cult/collector crazes someday hence; whatever, let’s salute… Continue reading The Black Watch at Big Takeover (print)

Black Watch at Austin Town Hall

You know what’s going to make your day a little bit better? You’re going to have to listen to this new track from The Black Watch in order to make that happen.  The band are prepping the release of their new LP, Sugarplum Fairy, Sugarplum Fairy; it’s just a year after the most excellentThe End of When (you better… Continue reading Black Watch at Austin Town Hall