The Night Watch - Twilight (1997)

The Watch is an Italian progressive rock band from Milan, originally formed in 1997 under the name 'The Night Watch', and consisted of vocalist Simone Rossetti, guitarist Franceso Zago, bassist Antonio Mauri, keyboardist Giovanni Alessi, and drummer Diego Donadio. In this formation the band released their debut album, Twilight, before the line-up collapsed in 2000 leaving only Rossetti to continue the band under the shortened name 'The Watch'. Their music is inspired by classic progressive rock style of the 1970s and in particular by the music of Genesis. Melody and energy are the main aspects of The Watch music and the live dimension is one of the greatest features of the band.

Bravo!! It was a pleasure getting to know this release. Like finding an old art gallery full well-crafted curios from exotic lands, I wondered back and forth through this CD finding new treasures each time through. Simone Rossetti's vocals are a blend of the Jet Lag and Choclate Kings period of PFM and Peter Gabriel's early solo efforts. The overall mood of the songs is PFM in the compositions and the storytelling lyrics. The guitars and programming by Francesco Zago are very Steve Hackett, yet Steve Howe shines through as well in many places. Yeah, I heard that Asia thing too.

Rosetti's angst-charged, chorused overdubs of his vocals are well done, as well as his drop-out, hushed theatrics for tension building and then an in-your-face echoed outburst. I think back to that Echolyn punch. Giovanni Alessi on keys, Antonio Mauri on bass, and Diego Donadio on drums complete the delicately vital balance throughout. "A Game with Shifting Mirrors" throws down in a syncopated Yes-battles-King Crimson sans vocals. They fall back to deep mellow, then come back big. Look out Fripp! Last cut "Flowers of Innocence" is a When the World Became the World PFM piece lamenting...childhood's end? This is a must own if you like PFM -- well worth grabbing in its own strength. Again, bravo!