FALL OF THE WATCHER

I was drawn to the cover art right away. That grainy picture that makes me think "hopeful". And then connect that with the album's title, and I'm thinking the book of Enoch and the Watchers that fell. The music is offered to us by a talented trio out of the UK. All three play keyboards on here but we get Robin Peachy adding vocals and guitars on top of that. Paul Johnston is the drummer and he adds some guitar as well, besides producing and mixing this record. And Robin's brother Steve adds keys.

If THE PINEAPPLE THIEF weren't going so strong these days I'd be announcing that RETURNED TO THE EARTH were their replacements. I was constantly reminded of Bruce Soord and his band. From the vocals and the melancholy especially. Lots of atmosphere, which is why I think all three play keyboards to achieve that. On their next album all three are credited with playing synths. I did think of Steven Wilson and PORCUPINE TREE as well. The music here is slow to mid paced for the most part.

There is a surprising outbreak on "Sacrificed In Vain" where we get riffs, but it doesn't feel out of place as they keep it in check. That is the longest track at 10 1/2 minutes. I do like the way it sort of drifts along and the floating organ. Some soaring guitar as well. Some emotion too. A very uniform sounding album by the way with the third tune "Drowning" offering more punch and drive than the first two numbers. Catchy as well.

The opening title track is the other song with some heaviness which arrives after 7 minutes. PORCUPINE TREE and some emotion on "Lack Of Information", especially after 3 minutes with the piano. Some tasteful guitar as it trips along after that. "April Sky" ends the album in such a relaxed manner. Spacey with reserved vocals. I like how the guitar echoes 5 minutes in.

If you can't get enough of THE PINEAPPLE THIEF you really need to check this band out. Steve Kitch the keyboardist for that band mastered this at his studio. A solid 4 stars for this mood altering record.

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