THE OTHELLO SYNDROME

Do you like Rob Reed's Magenta project? Do you like Van der Graaf Generator? If you answered yes to both these questions, than what would you think if I told you that the Othello Syndrome is the perfect marriage of these two groups? And that's what we have here... and it's an incredible release that I'm surprised more prog enthusiasts haven't clamored to acquire.

And why does this sound like a marriage of these two bands? Well, Rob Reed and drummer Tim Robinson are performers on this album and Reed helped with the production (hence the Magenta references). The other side of the equation is provided by lead vocalist and bassist Paul Kadman, whose vocal stylings are clearly inspired by Peter Hammill. Along with Kadman is guitarist Martin Rosser

In addition to the two aforementioned influences, there is also an ever-present quirkiness to the music as if inspiration from Gentle Giant was weaving its way around in the background, ever so subtly. The Moog synthesizer is gently weaved in and out of the songs in a very creative way. At times the music even has some medieval touches, making for an interesting, eclectic listen.

I greatly enjoyed this album and highly recommend it for fans of Rob Reed's projects and open- minded VDGG fans that don't mind a sort of VDGG meets neo-prog mixture.

Thanks very much Moris (clarke), this VdGG element is the one I couldn't remember here. This album is very strange. It's different than the rest of Prog music I've heard. It's different than different ones I've heard. So much for how weird this album is. It's like melodic theater performance done with addition of music and rhythms. Funny The Watchman proves how eclectic they can be. Because they're so weird, it's maybe also because of their accent. German you say ? Yeah, a little bit for sure. Maybe that's how Welsh sounds like, I don't know. It's like listening "friendly" copy of Van der Graaf Generator. Without so great voice of Peter, but also without "this terrible voice that scares some". I'm first group, but I understand that some people can't stand him. Well, there's chance for you here.

4(+), it's my tenth listen in period of one week, but I still don't know much about this music. It simply IS.

Blend VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR in their prime with some Krautrock moments and wrap it in modern-day digital sound. Sounds bad. Are you an old fashioned cynic, and sceptical at that? No need to be. I said, VDGG in their prime. Yeas, that mean fresh and enjoyable. It's not so directly borrowing their style (as in the case of MATTHEW PARMENTER, for example), and in a way it's a bit softer, or perhaps more easygoing. There are more direct symphonic rock infusions in their sound, with bits of the merriest GENESIS or YES. So, they're not very dark. Lyrics are critical (touching a position of a human being in a modern society) bet rather funny or cynical then deep (although there is sublimity between the verses). Perhaps clumsy a bit here and there. Vocals are doo-dooing, synth are buzzing, and songs are slowly meandering from one picture to another, keeping the interest, but not being too difficult to handle. As for the Krautrock moments, honestly I don't know why I associated it with this album. Maybe because of slightly German accent? But this is Welsh band, not German. But there IS something in vocal, timbre, melodies, approach. I don't know. Perhaps a bit of a raspy GROBSCHNITT. Finally, I mentioned, modern 'digital' package, but if you're fan of the 70's sounds, don't run away, because production is great, and sound is not flooded with half a dozen of Yamaha DX7 layers, don't worry. Guitars are as they should be, brass too. Perhaps a bit clean, but not too crystal clean.

As a final word: it might seem a bit raw at first sight, but it will quickly grow. Worth giving a try.

This is the debut CD by an English band originating from South Wales. The OTHELLO SYNDROME is one of the most exciting bands from England recently. GENESIS, but most of all VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR influence them. There are many reminiscences to VAN DER FRAAF GENERATOR ca. "H to He Who am the Only One" (1970), and this fact is surely attracting me. The vocals are also sometimes reminiscent to Peter HAMMILL.

The highlight is the track " Interlecherality". The album has guest appearances by members from CYAN, and I guess that the GENESIS reminiscences is much due to them. A unique band with a unique sound, and not one of the many ordinary progressive bands today. Highly recommended!