Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins - 'Rise up with Fists!!' (Rough Trade) Released 27/02/06

Ah the dreaded side project, just when Rilo Kiley seemed to be breaking through to the mainstream then lead Singer Jenny Lewis decides to pursue her solo album dream. Luckily for us this isn’t a self indulgent pile of Acid Jazz. 'Rise Up With Fists!!' sees Lewis sounding more like June Cash than Reese Witherspoon could ever dream to. The introduction of the Watson twins providing their gospel vocals gives the track an intimate feel. Together they sound like a church choir you would be more than happy to sacrifice your Sunday morning to go see. Seemingly a lament on the culture of surgery and therapy, “you can wake up younger under the knife, you can wake up sounder if you get analyzed” Lewis never seems to criticise though, just
show that the situation can be avoided. Possibly the standout track from the album 'Rabbit Fur Coat' Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins show that the side project is not something to fear.