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The Watch - Vacuum CD (album) cover

VACUUM

The Watch

 

Neo-Prog

3.95 | 229 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
4 stars I have already expressed my feelings about "The Watch" (and "The Night Watch" as well). I just like this Italian band who is of course absolutely Genesis-oriented.

When you see them live, they never hide this. They show a deep respect and sincere love about the masters. And I like this. As I like an awful lot their very good compositions. Take the opening number : "Hills". It is truely brilliant : great vocals, lush mellotron, great backing band. What do you need more if, like me, you are particulaly nostalgic of this period (the seventies) and want to prolong the experience ? I guess nothing. This is probably one of their best songs. But I like "Wonderland" a lot as well. Romantic and passionate. When neo-prog meets Italian symphonic.

The songs of this album will be shorter than on their debut one; but just listen to the jewel of "Deeper Still". Melody, emotion, beautiful keyboards, profund vocals. In just obver three minutes. The only long song is also a fabulous track. "Vacuum" is a complex one. Very much "Cinema Show" oriented with a sensitive acoustic intro interrupted by almost heavy keys. The mighty parts remind me of "The Return..." (one of their cover song during their live stes). This is another highlight.

This is effectively a trip back to the early seventies but with a fresh and modern sound. Skilled musicians and superior production make this release a great professional work. There are no weak tracks and this album should please a majority of the early Genesis aficionado. But not the ultra-purists amongst yourselves.

I could have been one of those. I started listening to them in 1973 and as some of you, I did see the great line-up on stage, while they were five. And I can not blame "The Watch" for providing me so much joy while listening to their brilliant music. I wouldn't rate this album as a masterpiece; but it is an extremely pleasant one. I am looking forward to see them again (although we were very few to attend on their previous gig at "Spirit Of '66).

One word about Rossetti. On top of being a great singer (fully Gabriel oriented), he also writes interesting and complex text. He is also very kind towards his audience. Thank you for this Simone. Keep on with the good work. Four stars.

ZowieZiggy | 4/5 |

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