Live: Patrick Watson THE MOD CLUB - DECEMBER 14 - by Monika Warzecha - Patrick Watson always reminds me of the sea. May be it's all the oceanic references in his songs or the nautical video for "Drifters," but there's something about his music that makes even this land-locked reviewer instantly think of setting sail. Watson's newer material is in keeping with the aquatic theme: his songs make you hold your breath and lean in close. Even loud and live, they have a faraway, underwater feel to them. The third song into the set was the new "Tracey's Waters," a track that started off sparse and sombre before being broken up by distortion and green laser lights shooting into the crowd. After the new song, Watson introduced "Weight of the World," which was greeted by cheers from the crowd. The guitars were more visceral than the Close to Paradise version, giving the song the quality of a creepy carnival ride theme. The drummer played the saw and Watson stood up at the piano, playing a tune that sounded like it came from a haunted music box. The show-stopper was "The Storm." Watson introduced a special guest singing back-up on the slightly twangy song. Seemingly shy at first, she sang like a siren during the distorted, noisy crescendo. At the end of the night, Watson dedicated "Man Under the Sea" to his dad. The acoustic guitar player stood up on a speaker at the front of the stage and Watson positioned himself in the centre of the crowd, asking for quiet as he shaped his hands into a megaphone and led us through the song. One of the more fantastic moments above all others this night was when Watson was an island in the sea of people, conducting us with hands held above our heads. And like any good wave, for a moment it felt like we were all part the same beautiful motion.