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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

DarWin

DarWin 3: Unplugged

Review by Gary Hill

This album is an interesting and quite effective one. It gathers up instrumental and unplugged versions of several tracks from the previous two DarWin albums. The act has produced two extremely effective progressive rock releases. These alternate versions (many of them purely instrumental) stretches the streak to three.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review
Escape the Maze (Orchestral)
There is a pretty sense of drama built into this number as the piano and symphonic instrumentation create the melodies. While remaining symphonic it turns more driving and rocking.
Nightmare of My Dreams (Orchestral)
I dig the symphonic textures of this number. There is plenty of magic and drama here with a great prog concept.
Slowly Melting (Unplugged)
I like this understated arrangement. The vocals are elevated from the original version. This is more of an AOR rock song and less proggy, though.
Forever (Orchestral)
I love the symphonic concepts on this. The song has more rock sound than the two openers did, though. It, like them, is purely instrumental.
One Horizon (Unplugged)
The bass work and vocals are the real winners on this one. The cut has some great mellower AOR textures.
Rise (Orchestral)
This is very much a symphonic instrumental and it is powerful. I'd consider this one of the most effective pieces here. The tune is also quite dynamic.
Last Chance (Orchestral)
While this is another symphonic instrumental, there is more of a rock energy and vibe to this one than is found on some of the rest. It has plenty of prog rock built into it.
Another Year (Acapella)
Although this says it's acapella, there are some instruments in the mix. That said, there are some things that seem like instruments, but are actually voices. Female lead vocals come in at the starts of the main song section. There are male ones that run counterpoint later. There is almost a soulful groove to the tune, but it's overall pure prog. The vocal arrangement is multilayered and very strong.
  
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