VACUUM

Rock has always been a musical form of inspiration and imitation. The Beatles, Stones, and The Beach Boys all borrowed from the founding fathers of rock (Chuck Berry, Little Richard). The Byrds imitated Bob Dylan (who was highly influenced by Woodie Guthrie). In the 70's the masters of hard rock/heavy metal all borrowed liberally from the old blues guys. Big Star, a 70's icon was influenced by the Beatles. In the 80's R.E.M., one of America's most respected bands, took The Byrds guitar sound to form a music of their own. Marillion, Pendragon, Pallas, and IQ were all influenced by Genesis. The delightful "jam bands" of the 90's borrowed from the Grateful Dead and The Allman Bros. As you can plainly see rock has always built upon it heratige. That's why I can't undrestand progressive rock fans vehemenently complaining when a band chooses to imitate or be influenced by another (usually 70's era) band. Case in point is The Watch. Sure they borrow from early Genesis, but they take their influences and build them into a highly original and extremely wonderful sound.They have exactly what is needed to be a great progressive rock band:soaring melodies, emotional vocals, classically inspired keyboards, complex rhythms, and state of the art production. Give these guys a chance; already they are beginning to outgrow their influences and are on the way to their own sound. Remember, it may be progressive but it's still rock.