I have to admit this is a new one on me, even though this collective is going 10 years now having first came into being in 2015.
Thinking that I was keeping fairly up to speed on all things Prog and Metal when I received the review copy of the new DarWin album there were resulting head scratches and go ogling. It appears the ensemble have now a total of 5 albums to their name, “Origin of Species” (2018); “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” (2020); “DarWin 3: – Unplugged” (2021); “Five Steps on the Sun” (2024) and “Distorted Mirror” (2025).
The band is essentially a duo formed by DarWin on guitar and Simon Phillips on drums who are joined by mainstays Greg Howe (guitar) and Mohini Dey (bass) along with Derek Sherinian on keyboards. Throughout their existence as the collective “DarWin” they’ve been joined at various stages by luminaries such as Matt Bissonette (vocals), Billy Sheehan and Guthrie Govan, forming a gathering of respected musical talent, all of whom have extensive CVs that include playing with Jeff Beck, Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani and Winery Dogs among many others. Basically we have here an intricate who’s who playing what where with an end result that is a tasteful Progressive Rock sound with amazing instrumental talent on display and melodiously written music, well produced with a clean representation of every instrument.
The one word that springs to mind on first listen is “tasteful”. Followed by “soothing”. Softly sung vocalisation with not one note wasted on elongated widdly solos, every widdle has its place here with the air guitar called for on numerous occasions, as are the air drums, air bass and air keyboards.
Sounds reminiscent in places of Joe Satriani, with a grooving, powerfully hypnotic texture filled bass, drumming with feeling and keyboard wizardry. Instrumental opener “Rising Distortion” gives off that Satch vibe is a great way to start what is essentially a non-instrumental album.
When the vocals kick in on title track “Distorted Mirror” if you have liking for The Flower Kings, Neil Morse or Spock’s Beard this is for you, with a heavier guitar throughout. Sense the jazz fusion influences on “Glow” and the delightfully balanced melody vs complexity of “Man Vs Machine”.
Check out the accompanying videos online, this release should be on the radar of many fans of melodic Prog Rock and the consummate musicians involved; maybe it is and I have been asleep at the musical wheel, but now I’m checking my mirrors and reversing to check out their back catalogue; I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy the journey.
