The Watchmen

I recently met up with Conor Scott, singer and lead guitarist for Dublin based band the Watchmen, and he gave me a copy of the lads self-titled album to check out.

The Watchmen are a Dublin based band, formed in the summer of 2005 by Conor and P.F Lynch, who also sings and plays rhythm guitar. Both of them were heavily influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Elvis, Roy Orbison and the Beatles.They began writing original songs and shortly afterwards they recruited Daniel O’Brien as their bassist and Ronan O’Neil completed the quartet on the drums. The 4-piece spent the next few months writing and rehearsing before playing a string of successful gigs in venues across Dublin, including the Village and the Sugar Club.

Before long the Watchmen had built up a steady fan base and towards the end of 2006 they hit the studio to record. Their 10-track self-titled album was recorded at Jam Studios in Kells Co.Meath.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know what to expect from the band which class themselves as pop/country blues, and I really don’t have much knowledge of their above named influences.

But, after listening to the album it was a nice break from everything else I’ve heard lately. The album is mellow from start to finish, the songs are slow and easy going, but all the time catchy. With the album running at just over 33 minutes it is perfect easy listening.

You’ll be able to hear track 2 “Go your way” on the upcoming 19th Sound System podcast, but in the mean time you can check them out on their myspace profile.

They also have their own website, thewatchmenmusic.com, which is still pretty much under construction but you’ll be able to get band news, pictures and mp3s when it’s all finished.

The lads are currently checking out the KKM listings for gig possibilities, they may be making an appearance with us in August sometime, which would be your best opportunity to pick up a copy of the album. But nothing has been confirmed yet and I’ll keep you posted.