I just stumbled on a 2018 concept release entitled “Origin of Species” by an artist who goes by the name DarWin. This epic release features legendary musician and producer Simon Phillips. Phillips has worked and performed with some of the biggest purveyors of progressive rock such as Jon Anderson, Asia and Steve Hackett plus more mainstream acts like The Who and Pete Townshend. 
Other musicians on this release are Matt Bissonette on vocals and bass; the aforementioned DarWin on guitars; Jeff Babka on piano and Greg Howe on guitar, who is one of the best rock/fusion guitar players on the planet!
Now onto to the concept behind this release. Set in the not too distant future the earth has a depleted ecology and worldwide conflict all related to climate change. Not too far fetched considering what science is reporting to us everyday. Our protagonist, Darwin wakes from this struggle to survive and begins his journey. He is seeking civilization and trying to understand this cataclysmic torment he finds himself in. As he moves forward he encounters memories of his past; his life, his wife and his child. All of this is best represented in the video for the track, “Escape the Maze.”
The track begins with beautiful piano and orchestral arrangements. The strings capture your attention before the lead vocals arrive.
Lost in a dream
A world yet unseen
My senses return to me now
Soon the chorus rings out:
You may find a way
To escape the maze
Learn to see inside
Hack into the Mind’s Eye
The key phrase, “The Mind’s Eye” refers to one’s mental ability to envision imaginary imagery or recollect images from our past. The track is a showcase for the guitar work of Greg Howe. Throughout the song strings and woodwinds add a majestic element to the track. The video is well produced and provides an entertaining interpretation of the lyrics. The story takes on a sci fi element as our soon to be hero, Darwin, finds himself transformed into a human with unlimited technological powers. Can he restore the earth and see his wife and family again? Once again; the creativity, musicianship and quest for a soundscape so beyond the norm of today’s contemporary music has affected me profoundly. I could listen to this single track repeatedly. I am truly once again, plugged into progressive rock. With the battle lines seemingly drawn today between the climate change acceptors and deniers, maybe this video and the complete concept album, “Origin of Species,” foretell a vision of our future. Let’s hope we can wake up in time.
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