DARWIN – DarWin 2 A Frozen War (2020)
DarWin is songwriter, guitar player, and producer. Influenced by bands ranging from Dream Theater to the Beatles, DarWin writes songs that merge powerful grooves and heavy guitars with intricate vocal harmonies. “DarWin 2 A Frozen War” is his second album, another collaboration with impressive drummer Simon Phillips (TOTO, Jeff Beck).
And the musicians involved are no less impressive: Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth) who does lead vocals here, Billy Sheehan (Mr Big, The Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (Asia, Steven Wilson), Derek Sherinian (Sons Of Apollo), guitar virtuoso Greg Howe and more.
Mixing classic rock, progressive, hard rock and more with melodic accessible arrangements, “DarWin 2 A Frozen War” delivers a concept story.
‘Nightmare Of My Dreams’ features the guitar talents of Guthrie Govan and Sheehan’s swirling bass guitar. It’s a rock piece, but halfway through, the song based structure gives way to a stunning and relaxed semi-classical interlude that’s shaken from its reverie by a squall of lead guitar pyrotechnics.
One thing DarWin do well is construct songs full of layered vocals, similar to King’s X and this is best illustrated by ‘Future History’. It’s driving, rocking song where Greg Howe provides the guitar histrionics.
As ‘Eternal Life’ begins to its velvety warmth, you can feel the prog just waiting to be unleashed, however, this acoustic-led track is more of a sing-along with underlying energy that is lurking and does make a very pleasing appearance and injects its energy.
The title track explores different, captivating textures and features a great Derek Sherinian keyboard solo. It’s progressive, but classic rock as well.
Mind you, I’d personally say that ‘Another Year’ is a melodic treat, made for airplay. With an addictive chorus and strong melody, it makes for an album highlight.
Even at five songs you don’t feel short changed, as the music on here is top notch. Many other artists could perhaps take note that less is more.
If you have yet to delve into the wonderful musical world of DarWin, what are you waiting for? Grab this album for one of melodic progressive music’s modern delights.
Highly Recommended
1 – Nightmare Of My Dreams
(Feat. Guthrie Govan, Simon Phillips & Billy Sheehan)
2 – Future History
(Feat. Simon Phillips, Greg Howe & Billy Sheehan)
3 – Eternal Life
(Feat. Guthrie Govan & Simon Phillips)
4 – A Frozen War
(Feat. Simon Phillips, Billy Sheehan & Derek Sherinian)
5 – Another Year
(Feat. Simon Phillips, Billy Sheehan & Greg Howe)
DarWin / guitars, string arrangements
Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck) / drums, percussion, keyboards
Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth / vocals, bass
Greg Howe / guitar
Billy Sheehan (Sons of Apollo, Winery Dogs) / bass
Guthrie Govan (Aristocrats, Asia, Steven Wilson) / guitar
Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, Dream Theater) / keyboards
Alex Sill / acoustic guitar
Jeff Babko / keyboards
Peter Nickalls / string arrangements
Reykjavik String Quartet
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