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16 May 2008 9:00 PM The Peel Kingston - London (UK)

Primitive - Reviews

The Watch - Primitive

- Publisher: On The Rocks - John Bo Bo Bollenberg

- Link: http://www.boborocks.be/reviews.php?view=209

" There is no denying : Simone Rossetti is the reincarnation of a seventies Peter Gabriel. Although he might have hated this comparison when he started singing, I’m convinced that today he sees it as a huge compliment for Gabriel and Genesis in the seventies were unique in every single aspect. Especially in Italy albums such as “Foxtrot”, “Nursery crime” and “Trespass” were greeted with utmost respect and injected energy and enthusiasm into hundreds of would be musicians and singers not to mention a small army of Gabriel look-alikes. Some thirty years after Genesis conquered Italy, The Watch has finally found it’s ideal line-up composing, arranging and recording the music they feel in their soul rather than go for the direct copy and paste technique. The Watch is not an easy copy of Genesis nor is it aiming to be a more exclusive coverband. Our Italian friends have no problem in admitting they do adore Genesis in all it’s glory yet they try to place the band in the 21st century and compose original music using the right ingredients.
The main ingredient has to be the mellotron which forms like the backbone in many a composition by The Watch. The band actually owns a genuine M400 which they bought from an Italian studio where the famous singer Zucchero used to record his albums. He also used the instrument on tour where it was also used by people such as the Nomadi and even Queen’s Brian May. When The Watch acquired this instrument the tapes inside were over twenty years old and didn’t match the clean sound of the band. It was a tough decision whether to leave things as they were or to buy new tapes from the original mellotron makers in London. The change of tapes breathed new life into the instrument giving it a central place in the music of the band. Currently the tape set consists of 3 violins, 8 mixed choirs and flute. This mellotron is like a sixth member to the band.
The Watch has also fully understood the digital age by releasing an album of an acceptable length rather than go for the impossible. A good 47 minutes spread over seven tracks is what “Primitive” is all about. Produced by Simone Stucchi all the music and lyrics were written by Simone Rossetti except for ‘Soaring on’ which he co-wrote with Cristiano Roversi and features Sergio Taglioni on piano and moog. As soon as the first seconds of ‘Sound of sirens’ reach your ears it’s as if you are propelled back in time to witness a brand new Genesis album on the Charisma label. Every single element is perfectly balanced in order to underline Simone’s poetic lyrics the best way possible. Mellotron, bass pedals and organ have seldom sounded that good !
As with their big examples, ‘The border’ starts in a very acoustic way mainly emphasizing on the vocals which are soon accompanied by gentle guitar and flute. Heavy distorted guitarchords together with powerful organ mark the beginning of ‘Two paces to the rear’ which once again embraces soft intimate moments as well. Great Moog solo’s swim on an ocean of organ sounds yet it’s still the remarkable voice of Rossetti which delivers all the lustre that goes with this band. In ‘When I was tree’ guitar only joins towards the end again putting most of the arrangement in the capable hands of our keyboards maestro Fabio Manzini. Complex drumming together with sways of mellotron and organ form the main ingredients for ‘Another life’ which also contains slight references of early King Crimson. . ‘Berlin, 1936’ not only stands out from a lyrical point of view but it also contains all of the elements which make The Watch such an incredible rare find. This is drama at it’s best. Pitty some of the words aren’t pronounced the right way so for a next effort they should go through the lyrics with someone who masters English rather well before actually recording it. Subtle piano and gentle strings uplift Simone’s vocals during the closing ‘Soaring on’ which should sound incredible if only the band could use a real orchestra so if a millionaire is reading this : why not get in touch with the band and offer them a huge budget for their next album ?
“Primitive” surely ain’t primitive in the literal sense of the word. A lot of care and perfection has gone into this recording which confirms the quality of the band and takes them another step further. Put on your headphones and smear thick layers of fluorescent paint around your eyes and think for one minute you are fronting one of the best bands in the world. It’s that simple ! "

	The Watch - Primitive
	- Publisher: On The Rocks - John Bo Bo Bollenberg
	- Link: http://www.boborocks.be/reviews.php?view=209
	" There is no denying : Simone Rossetti is the reincarnation of a seventies Peter Gabriel. Although he might have hated this comparison when he started singing, I’m convinced that today he sees it as a huge compliment for Gabriel and Genesis in the seventies were unique in every single aspect. Especially in Italy albums such as “Foxtrot”, “Nursery crime” and “Trespass” were greeted with utmost respect and injected energy and enthusiasm into hundreds of would be musicians and singers not to mention a small army of Gabriel look-alikes. Some thirty years after Genesis conquered Italy, The Watch has finally found it’s ideal line-up composing, arranging and recording the music they feel in their soul rather than go for the direct copy and paste technique. The Watch is not an easy copy of Genesis nor is it aiming to be a more exclusive coverband. Our Italian friends have no problem in admitting they do adore Genesis in all it’s glory yet they try to place the band in the 21st century and compose original music using the right ingredients. The main ingredient has to be the mellotron which forms like the backbone in many a composition by The Watch. The band actually owns a genuine M400 which they bought from an Italian studio where the famous singer Zucchero used to record his albums. He also used the instrument on tour where it was also used by people such as the Nomadi and even Queen’s Brian May. When The Watch acquired this instrument the tapes inside were over twenty years old and didn’t match the clean sound of the band. It was a tough decision whether to leave things as they were or to buy new tapes from the original mellotron makers in London. The change of tapes breathed new life into the instrument giving it a central place in the music of the band. Currently the tape set consists of 3 violins, 8 mixed choirs and flute. This mellotron is like a sixth member to the band. The Watch has also fully understood the digital age by releasing an album of an acceptable length rather than go for the impossible. A good 47 minutes spread over seven tracks is what “Primitive” is all about. Produced by Simone Stucchi all the music and lyrics were written by Simone Rossetti except for ‘Soaring on’ which he co-wrote with Cristiano Roversi and features Sergio Taglioni on piano and moog. As soon as the first seconds of ‘Sound of sirens’ reach your ears it’s as if you are propelled back in time to witness a brand new Genesis album on the Charisma label. Every single element is perfectly balanced in order to underline Simone’s poetic lyrics the best way possible. Mellotron, bass pedals and organ have seldom sounded that good ! As with their big examples, ‘The border’ starts in a very acoustic way mainly emphasizing on the vocals which are soon accompanied by gentle guitar and flute. Heavy distorted guitarchords together with powerful organ mark the beginning of ‘Two paces to the rear’ which once again embraces soft intimate moments as well. Great Moog solo’s swim on an ocean of organ sounds yet it’s still the remarkable voice of Rossetti which delivers all the lustre that goes with this band. In ‘When I was tree’ guitar only joins towards the end again putting most of the arrangement in the capable hands of our keyboards maestro Fabio Manzini. Complex drumming together with sways of mellotron and organ form the main ingredients for ‘Another life’ which also contains slight references of early King Crimson. . ‘Berlin, 1936’ not only stands out from a lyrical point of view but it also contains all of the elements which make The Watch such an incredible rare find. This is drama at it’s best. Pitty some of the words aren’t pronounced the right way so for a next effort they should go through the lyrics with someone who masters English rather well before actually recording it. Subtle piano and gentle strings uplift Simone’s vocals during the closing ‘Soaring on’ which should sound incredible if only the band could use a real orchestra so if a millionaire is reading this : why not get in touch with the band and offer them a huge budget for their next album ? “Primitive” surely ain’t primitive in the literal sense of the word. A lot of care and perfection has gone into this recording which confirms the quality of the band and takes them another step further. Put on your headphones and smear thick layers of fluorescent paint around your eyes and think for one minute you are fronting one of the best bands in the world. It’s that simple ! "

The Watch - Primitive

- Publisher: Sea of Tranquillity - Pete Pardo

- Link: http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=5152

" Most folks have that one guilty pleasure...OK, maybe more than one guilty pleasure for some. In my case, I love anything that sounds like vintage Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, so needless to say I've been following the career of The Watch for a few years now. This Italian band has put out a few albums now that harken back to the days of Foxtrot, Nursery Cryme, and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, complete with Gabriel-ish vocals from Simone Rossetti, lots of Hammond, Moog, and of course Mellotron, bass pedals, electric and 12 string guitar, well, you get the picture. This stuff just oozes 1973, right down to the production, which if you are like me, works just fine.
"Sound of Sirens" leaps in with ominous Mellotron before Rossetti finds his way into the song sounding like a youthful Peter Gabriel. Tons of vintage keys permeate this delicious slice of 70's styled prog rock, which at 8-minutes takes you on many different little adventures. On "The Border", the band settles down for a more atmospheric and dreamy arrangement that builds to a symphonic finale with lyrical guitar lines and swirling synths. The CD's longest track, "Two Paces to the Rear", is a dramatic number with layers of keyboards from Rossetti and Fabio Mancini, as well as rumbling bass grooves from Marco Schembri. Ettore Salati's nasty guitar riffs also add a menacing tone to this haunting prog gem, and there's tons of creepy Mellotron for those who can't get enough of the treasured instrument. The Watch opt for a slightly more upbeat and quirky feel for "When I Was a Tree", but drop right back into dark prog waters on the Hammond and Mellotron drenched "Another Life", featuring a great vocal from Rossetti. Bouncy and symphonic prog, straight out of the Selling England By the Pound book of Genesis, can be heard on "Berlin, 1936", a song featuring some complex keyboard and guitar interplay, soaring Mellotron, Hackett-ish guitar riffs, and tricky drum work from Roberto Leoni. The closer "Soaring On" is an emotional ballad with plenty of Mellotron and string synths, featuring lyrics about trying to put years of your life into one song.
If you've heard and liked The Watch's previous release Vacuum, chances are you will really groove to Primitive as well. It's less aggressive and moodier, with plenty more Mellotron this time around, but still has that wonderful 70's vibe. So, indulge in that guilty pleasure, and scoop up some early 70's Genesis flavors here on 2007's Primitive by The Watch. You'll be glad you did. "

	The Watch - Primitive
	- Publisher: Sea of Tranquillity - Pete Pardo
	- Link: http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=5152
	" Most folks have that one guilty pleasure...OK, maybe more than one guilty pleasure for some. In my case, I love anything that sounds like vintage Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, so needless to say I've been following the career of The Watch for a few years now. This Italian band has put out a few albums now that harken back to the days of Foxtrot, Nursery Cryme, and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, complete with Gabriel-ish vocals from Simone Rossetti, lots of Hammond, Moog, and of course Mellotron, bass pedals, electric and 12 string guitar, well, you get the picture. This stuff just oozes 1973, right down to the production, which if you are like me, works just fine. "Sound of Sirens" leaps in with ominous Mellotron before Rossetti finds his way into the song sounding like a youthful Peter Gabriel. Tons of vintage keys permeate this delicious slice of 70's styled prog rock, which at 8-minutes takes you on many different little adventures. On "The Border", the band settles down for a more atmospheric and dreamy arrangement that builds to a symphonic finale with lyrical guitar lines and swirling synths. The CD's longest track, "Two Paces to the Rear", is a dramatic number with layers of keyboards from Rossetti and Fabio Mancini, as well as rumbling bass grooves from Marco Schembri. Ettore Salati's nasty guitar riffs also add a menacing tone to this haunting prog gem, and there's tons of creepy Mellotron for those who can't get enough of the treasured instrument. The Watch opt for a slightly more upbeat and quirky feel for "When I Was a Tree", but drop right back into dark prog waters on the Hammond and Mellotron drenched "Another Life", featuring a great vocal from Rossetti. Bouncy and symphonic prog, straight out of the Selling England By the Pound book of Genesis, can be heard on "Berlin, 1936", a song featuring some complex keyboard and guitar interplay, soaring Mellotron, Hackett-ish guitar riffs, and tricky drum work from Roberto Leoni. The closer "Soaring On" is an emotional ballad with plenty of Mellotron and string synths, featuring lyrics about trying to put years of your life into one song. If you've heard and liked The Watch's previous release Vacuum, chances are you will really groove to Primitive as well. It's less aggressive and moodier, with plenty more Mellotron this time around, but still has that wonderful 70's vibe. So, indulge in that guilty pleasure, and scoop up some early 70's Genesis flavors here on 2007's Primitive by The Watch. You'll be glad you did. "

The Watch - Primitive

- Publisher: ProgArchives - Andrea Cortese

- Link: http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=117667

" Three years have passed since the release of their "Vacuum" album but this time it's like returning back to origins, somehow. Another well crafted record by this well-known contemporary italian band and its "gabrielesque" singer Simone Rossetti, but now they reveal clearly the choice to move some steps forward (backward, to be honest) to the sound of the seventies. THE WATCH's musical patterns aren't changed but this time you will not find the typical "aggressiveness" of their previous work, the general mood of the album being builded up on a more introvert, mellow, dramatic and darker key (and even poetic).
And there lies the main difference between "Primitive" and "Vacuum". In few words, this album is structured around the more atmospheric sound of the mighty MELLOTRON for the joy and happyness of many symphomaniacs. In fact I've never listened to such a powerful mellotron drenched album from the recent years...this is really a winning choice I think, because in some parts GENESIS don't seem to be their unique reference. In particular, some of those inspired mellotron's excursions reminds me of the memorable KING CRIMSON's track "The Devil's Triangle".
That said, pick up and add some interesting (but not loud as it could/should be) moog and synth solos along with gentle touches of delicate flute and sparse acoustic guitars and here you have "Primitive", not an easy one to get into at the first listen, just needing more spins manly due to what I could call an apparent "lack of variety" in the tracks' selection. But this is a common peculiarity in their cathalogue and is only the result of the first impression.
Special mention goes to "Berlin 1936" (8,51 mns) which is about the story of the olympics games in Germany just before the second world war and, in particular has been dedicated to a "certain" US' athlete Jesse Owens. He was triumphant in the 100- meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the broad jump. He was also a key member of the 400-meter relay team that won the Gold Medal. He is one the best remembered olympic star of all times because he deliberately refused to shake the hand of Hitler when he went to greet the medalists.
Anotehr highlight is "Two Paces to the Rear" (9,10 mns) with its pleasing interplay between organ, mellotron and synth solo. Excellent! Also "Anotehr Life" (6,19 mns) brings deep emotions, at the risk of provocking true goose -bumps moments due to the powerful mellotron waves.
Probably I prefer this album than the previous one, but only more attentive listenings can tell the truth. Meantime, I think this album will be joyfully welcomed by the legions of symphonic prog fans in general and by the mellotron's aficionados in particular!
Yes, 2007, has started very well: the italian prog scene is alive and well! Another brilliant album! "

	The Watch - Primitive
	- Publisher: ProgArchives - Andrea Cortese
	- Link: http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=117667
	" Three years have passed since the release of their "Vacuum" album but this time it's like returning back to origins, somehow. Another well crafted record by this well-known contemporary italian band and its "gabrielesque" singer Simone Rossetti, but now they reveal clearly the choice to move some steps forward (backward, to be honest) to the sound of the seventies. THE WATCH's musical patterns aren't changed but this time you will not find the typical "aggressiveness" of their previous work, the general mood of the album being builded up on a more introvert, mellow, dramatic and darker key (and even poetic). And there lies the main difference between "Primitive" and "Vacuum". In few words, this album is structured around the more atmospheric sound of the mighty MELLOTRON for the joy and happyness of many symphomaniacs. In fact I've never listened to such a powerful mellotron drenched album from the recent years...this is really a winning choice I think, because in some parts GENESIS don't seem to be their unique reference. In particular, some of those inspired mellotron's excursions reminds me of the memorable KING CRIMSON's track "The Devil's Triangle". That said, pick up and add some interesting (but not loud as it could/should be) moog and synth solos along with gentle touches of delicate flute and sparse acoustic guitars and here you have "Primitive", not an easy one to get into at the first listen, just needing more spins manly due to what I could call an apparent "lack of variety" in the tracks' selection. But this is a common peculiarity in their cathalogue and is only the result of the first impression. Special mention goes to "Berlin 1936" (8,51 mns) which is about the story of the olympics games in Germany just before the second world war and, in particular has been dedicated to a "certain" US' athlete Jesse Owens. He was triumphant in the 100- meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the broad jump. He was also a key member of the 400-meter relay team that won the Gold Medal. He is one the best remembered olympic star of all times because he deliberately refused to shake the hand of Hitler when he went to greet the medalists. Anotehr highlight is "Two Paces to the Rear" (9,10 mns) with its pleasing interplay between organ, mellotron and synth solo. Excellent! Also "Anotehr Life" (6,19 mns) brings deep emotions, at the risk of provocking true goose -bumps moments due to the powerful mellotron waves. Probably I prefer this album than the previous one, but only more attentive listenings can tell the truth. Meantime, I think this album will be joyfully welcomed by the legions of symphonic prog fans in general and by the mellotron's aficionados in particular! Yes, 2007, has started very well: the italian prog scene is alive and well! Another brilliant album! "

The Watch - "Holy God, they did it again!"

- Publisher: ProgArchives - Igor Sidorenko

- Link: http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=122337

" THE WATCH has returned with fantastic album frantically entitled “Primitive”. Pretty humorous – personally I see NOTHING primitive here! OK, for those who are new to this talented Italian band, I must say one word :”GENESIS”. If you love them, you won’t be disappointed, if not – don’t look for head-crashing noises and weird experimentations here. THE WATCH do experiments, but mostly with their own shape. If “Ghost” was rather even and “Vacuum” had both some weak and mostly genius moments, “Primitive” is a step to more “calm” and even pastoral areas. It’s like “Trespass” for GENESIS, which doesn’t mean it’s a step back for a band which have already released their “Foxtrot”(“Ghost”) and “Selling England…”(“Vacuum”), it’s just very acoustic, mild and mellotronic record. First of all, tron-maniacs: it’s a Must! Probably the best Tron- oriented album from 2007 so far. Second: THE WATCH haven’t lost their powers and energy – tracks like “Two Paces to the Rear” (a serious candidate to move “Damage Mode” from “My Fave THE WATCH Track” position!) and the opener “Sounds of Sirens” have immense drive and groove. Third: Simone still manages to create Prog songs, and I must admit, he’s as good as my beloved Matthew Parmenter in that case! His manner is quite different from Matthew’s one, and this is another ace of the band. Songs like “Soaring On”, “The Border”, “Another Life” are would-be hits for any radio, even mainstream one, but they still have this THE WATCH flavour; also they’re Prog (while previous “radio” songs by THE WATCH like “Riding the Elephant” were quite simple).
Should I say recommended? This is just flawlessly spectacular! Modern approach united with vintage mellotron and Hackettish guitar’s sounds creates unique WATCHy manner, still balancing between classical GENESIS style and their own face…this is a face behind the mask, and you must look deeper, my beloved listener. Enjoy! "

	The Watch - "Holy God, they did it again!"
	- Publisher: ProgArchives - Igor Sidorenko
	- Link: http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=122337
	" THE WATCH has returned with fantastic album frantically entitled “Primitive”. Pretty humorous – personally I see NOTHING primitive here! OK, for those who are new to this talented Italian band, I must say one word :”GENESIS”. If you love them, you won’t be disappointed, if not – don’t look for head-crashing noises and weird experimentations here. THE WATCH do experiments, but mostly with their own shape. If “Ghost” was rather even and “Vacuum” had both some weak and mostly genius moments, “Primitive” is a step to more “calm” and even pastoral areas. It’s like “Trespass” for GENESIS, which doesn’t mean it’s a step back for a band which have already released their “Foxtrot”(“Ghost”) and “Selling England…”(“Vacuum”), it’s just very acoustic, mild and mellotronic record. First of all, tron-maniacs: it’s a Must! Probably the best Tron- oriented album from 2007 so far. Second: THE WATCH haven’t lost their powers and energy – tracks like “Two Paces to the Rear” (a serious candidate to move “Damage Mode” from “My Fave THE WATCH Track” position!) and the opener “Sounds of Sirens” have immense drive and groove. Third: Simone still manages to create Prog songs, and I must admit, he’s as good as my beloved Matthew Parmenter in that case! His manner is quite different from Matthew’s one, and this is another ace of the band. Songs like “Soaring On”, “The Border”, “Another Life” are would-be hits for any radio, even mainstream one, but they still have this THE WATCH flavour; also they’re Prog (while previous “radio” songs by THE WATCH like “Riding the Elephant” were quite simple). Should I say recommended? This is just flawlessly spectacular! Modern approach united with vintage mellotron and Hackettish guitar’s sounds creates unique WATCHy manner, still balancing between classical GENESIS style and their own face…this is a face behind the mask, and you must look deeper, my beloved listener. Enjoy! "

The Watch - Primitive

- Publisher: Tokaro - Idioglossia.de

- Link: http://www.idioglossia.de/review.php?id=926

" There is no doubt that the Italian Retroproggers of THE WATCH belong to a broad phalanx of bands in this particular genre. And with their newest output „Primitive“ they definitely manifest their position as „Uncrowned Kings“ of the numerous GENESIS epigones. In the last years, only a few imitators and clones in the Prog-genre have managed to live up to the all-time heroes of the past. THE WATCH definitely belong to this upper-class of bands and have kept their high level constant in the last years.
The most striking trademark of THE WATCH is certainly the concise singing of Simone Rossetti, who does not only resemble the young Peter Gabriel’s pitch, but also his distinctive staginess. Like no other comparable band THE WATCH revive the atmosphere of the Seventies and their songs actually sound like they have been taken from one of the GENESIS albums of this time. Fortunately the Italians avoid to copy GENESIS 1:1 and instead manage to create unique songs which only sound as they could have been composed by their idols. This effect is emphasized by using authentic instruments like the mellotron.
To put it into a nutshell, what is the difference between „Primitive“ and earlier releases of the band? Since the musical direction has not drifted towards other regions, only two changes attract attention: On the one hand the production of the album is exquisitely transparent and professional. On the other hand the compositions have a fresher touch and get stuck in one’s head easier than the songs of the predecessor „Vacuum“. Besides, THE WATCH luckily remain true to themselves.
Conclusion: GENESIS will go on tour in 2007, but its seriously questionable whether they are going to be able to revive the spirit of the former days. Fans of their music nevertheless do not have to resign, for THE WATCH definitely are and will be the band who carry their musical heritage into the 21st century. People who like old-school GENESIS should not hesitate to buy „Primitive“ and they will certainly not regret it. A must for Genesis-worshipping Retroprog -fans! "

	The Watch - Primitive
	- Publisher: Tokaro - Idioglossia.de
	- Link: http://www.idioglossia.de/review.php?id=926
	" There is no doubt that the Italian Retroproggers of THE WATCH belong to a broad phalanx of bands in this particular genre. And with their newest output „Primitive“ they definitely manifest their position as „Uncrowned Kings“ of the numerous GENESIS epigones. In the last years, only a few imitators and clones in the Prog-genre have managed to live up to the all-time heroes of the past. THE WATCH definitely belong to this upper-class of bands and have kept their high level constant in the last years. The most striking trademark of THE WATCH is certainly the concise singing of Simone Rossetti, who does not only resemble the young Peter Gabriel’s pitch, but also his distinctive staginess. Like no other comparable band THE WATCH revive the atmosphere of the Seventies and their songs actually sound like they have been taken from one of the GENESIS albums of this time. Fortunately the Italians avoid to copy GENESIS 1:1 and instead manage to create unique songs which only sound as they could have been composed by their idols. This effect is emphasized by using authentic instruments like the mellotron. To put it into a nutshell, what is the difference between „Primitive“ and earlier releases of the band? Since the musical direction has not drifted towards other regions, only two changes attract attention: On the one hand the production of the album is exquisitely transparent and professional. On the other hand the compositions have a fresher touch and get stuck in one’s head easier than the songs of the predecessor „Vacuum“. Besides, THE WATCH luckily remain true to themselves. Conclusion: GENESIS will go on tour in 2007, but its seriously questionable whether they are going to be able to revive the spirit of the former days. Fans of their music nevertheless do not have to resign, for THE WATCH definitely are and will be the band who carry their musical heritage into the 21st century. People who like old-school GENESIS should not hesitate to buy „Primitive“ and they will certainly not regret it. A must for Genesis-worshipping Retroprog -fans! "

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