Prog Radio | Album Review | ''Five Steps On The Sun'' by DarWin

Album Review

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Five Steps On The Sun

DarWin

256

DarWin’s fourth album, "Five Steps On The Sun," delivers a strong blend of melody, groove, and harmony that showcases their signature Crossover Prog style. The UK-based band, driven by DarWin, along with his usual partners in prog, Simon Phillips and Matt Bissonette, has once again managed to produce an album that feels both innovative and familiar. With a runtime of 47 minutes spread across ten tracks, this album offers a compact yet rich listening experience.

From the opening track, it’s evident that DarWin continues to prioritize well-crafted songs and an engaging album experience. Each track is meticulously composed, featuring a blend of powerful grooves, heavy guitars, and intricate vocal harmonies. Matt Bissonette’s soothing vocals, combined with the fiery bass lines of Mohini Dey (a BIG part of why I love this album--at times you’ll swear Jonas Reingold is playing bass, a very good thing IMHO) and Greg Howe’s impressive guitar work, create a sound that is both dynamic and cohesive. The consistent quality of the songs makes this album a standout in DarWin's discography.

"Five Steps On The Sun" is a superb addition to DarWin’s catalog. The album’s super melodic nature, combined with its consistent quality and stellar performances, is perfect for the Prog Radio rotation.

For "Five Steps On The Sun,” DarWin continues his tradition of having an impressive lineup of guest musicians. Renowned artists like Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan, and Guthrie Govan contribute their unique talents, adding depth and variety to the album. This collaborative effort results in a rich sound that highlights the musicianship and virtuosity celebrated by the band. The contributions from these guest players complement the core’s vision, enhancing the overall impact of the album.

"Five Steps On The Sun" is a superb addition to DarWin’s catalog. The album’s super melodic nature, combined with its consistent quality and stellar performances, is perfect for the Prog Radio rotation. Plan on hearing many of these songs when you tune in, and of course, we’ll be featuring it in Monday’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” broadcast.

5 Stars!