Brisbane brotherly combo Wattmore has produced a real gem in the form of I Don’t Miss That Woman, which is a breakup song but one that does not rely on self-pity but steel capped boots and sarcasm instead. This is not the usual heartbreak ballad, this is an all-out emotional exorcism in twangy guitars and presented with the same deadpan honesty that makes you laugh and wince at the same time.
The singing is the secret weapon of the song. Assertive but not machismo, the brothers get that particular mix of pain and indignation that anyone who has lost a relationship in their rearview mirror will know. Their harmonies give even more depth to an otherwise simple, good riddance song, and show the sloppy feelings behind the machismo.
The song is co-written with Australian songwriting legend Allan Caswell, and has the added advantage of that veteran storytelling touch, without losing the character of Wattmore. The instrumentation is spot-on to the story-twangy guitars give the atmosphere a lively feel that is simultaneously nostalgic and freeing, and harmonica sprinkles give the sound a feel of authentic folk and Americana. Producer Lindsay Waddington has gathered artists who know that there is no better way to deal with heartbreak than to turn it up loud and drive fast.
The great thing about I Don’t Miss That Woman is that it does not wallow. This is reflecting, but not self-indulgent, nostalgic, but not sentimental. The song develops as it goes on, with electric and acoustic instruments accumulating until the end, when it does not sound like bitter vengeance but rather like emotional relief. Wattmore has made the type of breakup song that you never knew you needed–candid, melodic, and simply risky enough to make it intriguing. It’s a farewell letter written in exhaust fumes and delivered with a smirk.
Follow them on socials:
Discover our playlist :