Silhobbit discovered Darwin's Radio way back in 2005 after a tip off from former The Enid drummer Steve "Steve" Hughes. We caught them at an informal Sunday lunchtime gig in Milton Keynes and were blown away by their musicianship. We sort of raved about their Pictures ep. We raved about their debut album Eyes Of The World. And so did you. And so did IQ and Frost*, who have each borrowed a member of the band.
Now Declan Burke and Mark Westworth have been given parole long enough to join up with big bass player Sean Spear and Tim Churchman on drums, for long enough to record this, their second album.
When I first got the CD, I thought that it was just another sampler, as there was only three tracks on it. But I was obviously forgetting that I'm a prog-rock reviewer, and the three tracks spread out to over 44 minutes of prog.
First track, The Illusion is Freedom leaps in with a jaunty keyboard riff that could make you think of Frost. Young Mark is soon joined by the tight rhythm section of basser Sean and drummer Tim. Not to mention Dec, back doing what he does best, massaging sounds from his fretboard. Over the next 20 minutes (nearly) the band entertain us with a sound that mixes the halycon days of the 70's with the tight studioness of the 00's to create a truely absorbing sound.
You will know the second track Breathe It In as we played a special Silhobbit Edit of it on a recent radio show (thanks Catherine). Or maybe you heard the full track on the recent Classic Rock Do Prog covermount CD. In case you missed it - hang your head in shame now - this is a harder edged song, showing that Darwin's Radio are not afraid to mix it up. Crunching guitars vie with melodic keyboards throughout this "shorter" track.
Age of Broken Reason brings the album to a close, and showcases the brilliant drumming of Tim Churchman, recruited from Rush covers band Spirit of Radio, and climaxes with a brilliant piece from Dec.
The album is available direct from the band at darwinsradio.co.uk for just £9.00 /£10 / £10.50 including p&p (UK/Europe/RoW)
The band will also be making a long overdue return to the stage when they play at The Peel in Kingston, London on Saturday 26th September.
Track Listing
- The Illusion is Freedom (19:18)
- Breathe It In (11:28)
- Age of Broken Reason (13:35)
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