Album review: DARWIN – Origin of Species

May 27th, 2019 by jason

www.darwin.is [Release date 07.12.18]

‘Origin Of Species’ is an extravagant concept album spread over two discs, with DarWin not only the songwriter of the album and guitarist, he also stars in the album’s story. Ah yes, the story is a very timely one about the current state of earth –

“In 2028 an exhausted ecology, and global conflicts, have led to a huge upheaval of the world order, straining and diminishing human populations. The lives of everyday people and families have been turned upside down by the intense ecological pressures related to climate change. “Day Zero” has occurred, when nuclear attacks punctuated what had for many years been a civility between nations and people. As Earth rejects life, those of us who remain struggle to survive.”

A proper concept album, with a suitably impressive musical line-up that includes drummer Simon Phillips (he co-produced the album along with Darwin), Matt Bisonette (vocals, bass), Greg Howe (guitars) and Jeff Babko (keyboards), who has worked with the likes of Julio Inglesias, Toto and Steve Martin amongst others.

In addition to these, there are a number of well-respected jazz musicians guesting including Katisse Buckingham and Dennis Hamm. Strings are used throughout, creating a grand and symphonic sound.

The songs are excellent and can be enjoyed as one immersive piece by listening to the whole album in one go, or they stand up well on their own. There is the harmonious prog of ‘For Humanity’, sounding a lot like Spock’s Beard, the soaring melodies and rock of ‘Escape The Maze’ and ‘Gummy Bear’ (showing a streak of humour amongst the seriousness of the story), another song that features plenty of vocal harmonies.

The website is worth a visit for the complete experience as the concept is not just limited to the album.

DarWin remains a mystery as to where he came from, however we are lucky to have him and his fellow musicians for the songs and wake-up call. A timely concept piece, that is not only very enjoyable on a musical level, but also a timely reminder we need to sort our planet out before nature takes it course. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)