The Watchmen Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
The most fully realized of the Canadian band's first four albums, this groundbreaking release opens not with a loud guitar or a pounding drum, but an organ on "Stereo," the first single. This album is a sonic breakthrough for the band, which makes a quantum leap in its use of dynamics. "Any Day Now" and "Silent Radar" are pop songs, which make the rocking numbers seem like they're rocking even harder. The Winnipeg quartet sounds much like R.E.M. at times. That's not surprising, considering that producer Adam Kasper has worked with them too. Former Tom Petty keyboard player Benmont Tench adds coloring. The innovative multimedia CD allows fans to connect with a website that offers periodically updated information. ~ Mark Allan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
No less hard-rocking than McLaren Furnace Room from two years before, the second album from this promising Canadian band is broader. A new bassist (Ken Tizzard), new lyricist (singer Daniel Greaves) and new producer (Mr. Colson) virtually guarantee some change. But guitarist Joey Serlin still rocks loudly yet lyrically. And the band's urgency is undiminished, although "All Uncovered" showcases its more reflective side, and "Middle East" mixes in some exotic percussion. This is a strong album, full of anger, desire, hope and other strong emotions the band seems to feed off. ~ Mark Allan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although this is the third straight hard-rocking album from this Canadian quartet, there are moments here that seem soft, almost tender. As the band continues to find its voice, you get the sense that its intelligence and ambition won't stand for standing still. After three rockers to open, "Dance Some More" conjures a rhumba and throws in an exotic trumpet. The occasional acoustic guitar and string section departs from the first two albums. On the down side, the in-studio experimentation makes for an uneven listen, and the lyrics are hard to follow, although the album has some great music and is an important phase in the band's evolution. ~ Mark Allan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The first half of McLarenFurnaceRoom (referring to the McLaren Hotel in downtown Winnipeg) delivers heavily rhythmic, sinewy guitar-driven rock. Producer Chris Wardman pulls off a neat coup in working Danny Greaves' commanding lead vocals to the forefront of the mix without sacrificing any of the instrumental muscle. But the real revelation comes from the disc's second half, featuring several rock-solid pop tunes and some of guitarist Joey Serlin's most thoughtful lyrics. In particular, "Mister" and "Anything But That" marry great melodies to devastating stories of abuse and family breakdown. It's quite a risk burying songs this good so deep into the recording, but the strategy works in terms of building to a fever intensity for the raging closer "Make You Go Down." ~ Roch Parisien, All Music Guide
