THE WATCH - PLANET EARTH - 2010

I believe I am an admirer of this band. So a review of their new album is in order.

It is impossible to listen to a The Watch album without even trying to guess which Genesis album this album is trying to copy. I can fully understand why half of their career is devoted to touring as a Genesis tribute band and the other half is devoted to their own material. In the case of other bands than The Watch, that is a negative thing. But in the case of The Watch; that's a positive thing. Genesis is dead, long live The Watch.

Which Genesis album does their new album sounds like ? Well, a hint of Foxtrot this time. But there is some subtle differences between Genesis and The Watch this time around. Listen to the best song from this album for example. It is called Something Wrong and it has a very strong Anekdoten vibe. No, this is not the end of the world. The Watch still sounds like Genesis. But there is more to them than just being a clone. First of all; their songwriting is excellent. Their songs is full of small details. Mainly from the guitars and the vintage keyboards. A song like Something Wrong stands proud on it's own feet. The rest of the songs too is excellent. This time, we also get an added Swedish mournful symphonic prog vibe in this material. Planet Earth is not a joyful album. Add some Italian Prog Rock vibes too and you get the full picture.

The Watch will never ever be able to shake of the Genesis clone tag. But there is more to this band than just being a clone. Deep down; The Watch is an excellent band in their own right. Planet Earth is another spectacular solid album from this band and one that keeps me transfixed. It is not a genre defining brilliant album. But I have no problems giving this album four stars.
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