A captivatingly immersive sonic embrace, the single Illumination from UK based The Watchmakers reveals why the glowing praising over the band over recent times. A mesmeric haze of seductively swirling psychedelic evocation tempered by a cooler post punk rhythmic stability, the song is a fascination magnetism inviting full use of imagination and emotions upon its unique canvas.
Hailing from Manchester, the foursome of vocalist/guitarist Rich Maitland, guitarist Adam Lewis, bassist Andy Lewis, and drummer Ian Maitland were soon drawing attention and acclaim with their demos Before Questions Became and Waves, and a neo-psychedelia sound wrapped in the inspirations of bands such as Velvet Underground, 13th Floor Elevators, The Beatles from the sixties and the more modern explorations of others such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Primal Scream and The Verve. As evidenced by the single there is a dual pronged persuasion at work within the band’s music, creativity seemingly unafraid to push theirs and the listener’s boundaries.
The band has played with the likes of The Pretty Things, Jacco Gardner, Dark Bells and Exit Calm over time as well as selling out two 
headline appearances at Psychedelic Happenings in Manchester, whilst earlier this year they were invited to a Showcase for BBC 6. This June now sees the release of a pair of songs Carpe Diem and Illumination, their first releases for Loaded Soul Records.
Illumination opens upon a wistful humid breeze, soulful warmth colluding with a melancholic breath courted by an Indian mystique. It is an intriguing coaxing which explodes with riveting potency as guitars unveil a web of intoxicating sonic endeavour and sweltering melodic hooks within an expanding synth bred ambience. It is immediately climatic and provocative, especially with the expressive vocals which add to the emerging narrative. Into its full temptation, the song is a bracing adventure painting with emotional melodies and descriptive sonic hues but it is the spine of rigid bass luring and hypnotic rhythmic bait which brings the depth and weight of the track alive, its dulled post punk persistence the catalyst to the tempestuous alchemy above it.
Intense in sound and atmosphere, the song is equally oppressive and feverishly seductive, a striking declaration of a new exciting presence in the potent shape of The Watchmakers. From the song alone it is easy to feel great things lie in wait for us and the band ahead, breeding a healthy anticipation as we go off hungrily to find Carpe Diem which was not included in our promo.
Illumination is available via Loaded Soul Records now and available as limited edition vinyl and digitally.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Watchmakers/191134494286879
8.5/10
RingMaster 12/06/2014
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