PLANET EARTH?

On this fourth The Watch studio-album entitled Planet Earth? we are treated on a sound that is obviously inspired by early Genesis, especially the 70-73 era, as The Watch did on previous albums. But this time it sounds like an ultimate tribute to that both legendary as unsurpassed early Genesis sound: Hammond and Mellotron waves in the vein of Tony Banks, very Gabrielesque vocals, the use of twanging acoustic guitars, the flute play and a very Hackett-like guitar sound. Even the way the songs are arranged comes mighty close to early Genesis. This results in wonderful symphonic rock, especially the moments in which Hammond and Mellotron are blended and moving electric guitar is supported by lush violin ? and choir-Mellotron. Like in the final parts of Something Wrong and The World Inside, goose bumps! The only track that slightly differs from the obvious early Genesis sound is the final composition Tourist Trap, here it's early IQ with a Mike Holmes guitar sound. The conclusion is great featuring majestic violin-Mellotron and a delicate synthesizer solo.

To me this album sounds as their most convincing and mature effort. But I would like to hear the wonderful native language, rather than English vocals. I am sure this will give the music an extra dimension, a bit more emotional undertone. Just listen to other fine early Genesis inspired fellow Italian band Sensitiva Immagine with their beautiful album E Tutto Comincio Cosi (a kind of 'Selling England By The Pound, side 3', with all respect).

My rating: 3,5 star.