ARTIST FOCUS #022 - THE WATCHERS
The Watchers are a 4-piece from Wallsend. The reincarnation of 1862, they have supported acts including The Vaccines, The Charlatans, The Chapman Family and The Futureheads. Barry Hyde can be counted among their fans after he judged them in a battle of the bands and chose them above 50 or so bands to play Split Festival in September 2010.
Their sound is rocky pop with moments of old rhythm and blues and psychedelia. Liam Milne’s vocals are reminiscent of Neil Diamond, but with powerful operatic moments where Matt Bellamy takes over. They like their guitar fx, too: lots of EBow and wah wah. There is always a lead accompaniment doing something a bit acrobatic: a resurrection of rock with a masculine strut, (if it ever died in the first place).
A dedicated live band who take the energy of their performances very seriously, The Watchers are just as hardworking offstage, and have been known to play the verses of a song over and over again for two and a half weeks until they achieve what they want from it.
They have recently been recording their debut album with Danton Supple, who has produced U2, Patti Smith, Morrissey and Doves, which is scheduled for release in the summer.
The Watchers play The Tyne Bar at 7.30pm
Words by Jonnie McAloon
