WATCHMEN - review added 29th July 2009
Album Review: Watchmen (Self-titled) (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and Maradona
Watchmen started in 2003 when Ivan Sención (vocals) left his previous group Hipnosis to start a band more closely matching his musical influences. Several members came and went over the years leaving the line-up of Emanuel López (guitar), Germain Leth (bass), Leonardo Palmieri (keyboards) and Dukke (drums) to record this album. Not sure if the drummer's name is pronounced duke or ducky, but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being...
The band hail from Argentina and play a music with strong hints of early 80's metal and late 80's hard rock. They sound akin to members of Whitesnake and Mr Big playing heavy rock in a London Basement in 1982.
Ivan's voice flits between the style of David Coverdale and Eric Martin throughout the record. He isn't quite up to the standard of either, but he's a lot closer than you might imagine. This is a guy with a serious set of lungs. The musicianship is generally of a high standard too. The guitar attack is bulldozer-powerful and has the sort of tone you could smear on toast and call honey.
First track 'Take Me Higher' is a classic demonstration of the Coverdale/Martin vocals. Ivan flits between their styles like a kitten with a ball of razor wire. The song is groove laden and well performed but, perhaps, not as exciting as it could have been. 'Hang On' is a throbbing track with plenty to admire. Again, that final few percentage points of greatness are missing but it's a fine effort nonetheless.
'One Step From Heaven' is a catchy little number with a pleasing chorus. Ivan sounds like he's holding his nose in places, but it's not enough to detract from this being one of the better songs. 'Safe' is a ballad with a moody dark sound and emotionally charged vocals that fire the verses along. The chorus is strangely flowery, but it's still a likeable song. The guitar soloing is particularly pleasant.
'Livin` The Heartache' is another slower track, this time with a bluesy retro Whitesnake feel. It's probably the best of the ballads and shows Ivan's voice in a very positive light - save the mild pronunciation errors which you can just about ignore. Final track 'On The Road' is a speedier song with a solid rock sound and understated chorus. It's a likeable track but it's never going to shove its hands down your trousers without prior invitation.
This eponymous album is like a dependable friend. It does nothing exciting, dangerous or experimental but you know it will always be there for you. It's an album you'll come back to every now and then for a quick spin, but you won't wear it out playing it time and time again.
Check out... Ivan's voice. Good in places, great in others.
Track List:
01 - Take me higher
02 - Hang on
03 - One step from heaven
04 - Safe
05 - Not enough
06 - Time is over
07 - Livin` the heartache
08 - Wings of thunder
09 - Man in a hole
10 - On the road
Label: Z-Records
Artist's website(s): Watchmen , MySpace
