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Watchtower - Control & Resistance

Posted : 10 years, 10 months ago on 21 May 2013 10:59

Though never top tier, these Texans tech-thrash debut `Energetic Disassembly` was an enjoyable mix of Slayer-meets-Rush aesthetics, hysterical vocals and memorable songs which, while far fetched, covered themes having resonance in the current state of world affairs (war, oppression, nuclear meltdown).

The social commentary is upped on their second album; Chernobyl, criminal propensity and maintaining social order some of the subjects covered. The perceived shift toward a more `mature` approach enamoured many with the band, some claiming it superior to the debut. Truth is, I was never convinced by `Control & Resistance`, and rediscovering it years later brought back the bugbears I had when I first heard it; namely the pompous lyrics, the dearth of flair and energy and - with the exception of the title-track - the widdly and awkward arrangements. It`s almost as if the band were content to let the themes and commentary themselves do all the talking, rather than making an effort to craft some really good songs.

When a band as promising as Watchtower creates an album as mediocre as `Control and Resistance` it can only be considered a disappointment. I would point anyone interested in hearing this band to the aforementioned debut, as this superfluous sophomore release is destined to go in one ear and out the other.


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