LIVE

Italian The Watch have a special position in The Netherlands: they have performed there many times as a Genesis cover band, now The Watch are highly acclaimed for this, more than composers of good own material. I have seen The Watch several times since their early years and was also in the crowd during their acclaimed performance on Symforce II, part of the 2008 tour that is featured on this live CD.

Their pleasant and melodic sound alternates between 1970-1973 Genesis-era: from mellow with acoustic guitars and flute to bombastic with bass pedals, Hackett-inspired guitarwork, organ and Mellotron. But also early IQ: compelling with powerful interplay between moving guitar and sumptuous Mellotrons layers. The emphasis in the tasteful 7 compositions is on creating compelling, often Mellotron drenched atmospheres rather than complexity and inventive arrangements. The enthousiastic and sympathic singer Simone Rossetti has the same melancholical undertone as Peter Gabriel, at some moments only his accent reveals he's not the one! An original song is the dreamy Riding The Elephant because of its electronic-oriented climate with howling guitar and majestic violin-Mellotron. Halfway the medley Twilight Alehouse/Another Life we can enjoy a bombastic 24-carat symphonic rock sound: with lush Mellotron, a deep bass pedal sound and a sensitive guitar solo, goose bumps.

But my absolute highlight on this live album is the final track Berlin 1936: first dreamy vocals, then a mid-tempo with bombastic interplay between organ and guitar, wonderful Mellotron drops and finally the ultimate symphonic rock sound featuring moving guitarwork with volume pedal, bass pedals, choir-Mellotron and Hammond organ, you can't beg for more!

Although I am not really a The Watch fan, I am very pleased with The Watch Live. Because in my opinion their sound on stage is more powerful and captivating than on the studio-albums. And for sure many early Genesis and IQ fans wil be delighted about this live album.

My rating: 3,5 star.