Watson – May/June 2003
by Julian Mainprize
Who: Watson
What: UK Rock
Where: Toronto, ON
To Contact: www.watsonrock.com
Although Watson is a fairly new incarnation, its members have played an active part in the Toronto music scene for several years in a variety of different bands. Watson itself was formed when guitarist Kevin Watson and drummer Paul Caruana, both originally from the UK, renamed and reshuffled their Toronto band The Lost Messiahs. Part of the reshuffling included adding singer Kieron Daly, another UK import, and bassist/engineer/producer J. Elliot.
Given their years and their roots, it’s not surprising to discover that Watson’s sound has a definite late ’80s flavor to it. After all, their acknowledged influences do include the likes of The Police, Jeff Beck, and Genesis. This doesn’t, however, mean that these guys are out of date and stuck in the past. While you can hear where their roots lie, there sound definitely has a more contemporary, aggressive tone to it. I couldn’t help thinking of a cross between Echo and the Bunnymen – Kieron’s vocals especially – and treble charger.
Watson sent CM their latest three-cut promo CD containing the songs “Smile”, “She’s So Special” and “Givin’ It”. The music on the CD couldn’t be described as anything but rock. But while they’re not going to break any barriers of genre or creativity, what Watson does play, they play very well. All three songs on the CD are very well conceived, performed and produced. Each one of them sounds like single material.
The fact that these guys have been playing for a while is a definite asset. Years spent in a variety of different rock bands have paid off, at least performance-wise. I’m sure they’re still waiting for the financial kick backs. Every one of the musicians has ability on their respective instruments and this style of music.
There is a whole lot of sixteenth note riffing on guitar and bass with driving drumming underneath, so be warned, this is definite air guitar music. If you don’t want anyone but your mirror to see you, make sure the door is closed when you put Watson in your CD player.