TEMPLATE FOR A GENERATION

Just did the review of Darwin's Radio's debut Eye of the World and already revealed that this successor was more spectacular in my believe and that's the best way to put it I guess. The firm sound of the band was already shining through on the debut but is even much more obvious on Template ... Besides this the songs are more epical and slightly better worked out here though I really believe this was already very much ok on Eye of the World.

The opening song The Illusion is Freedom is pretty mindblowing at first few listens but after 10 times I started to doubt if it would stand the test of time but that could also be a personal thing. It's a slightly overwhelming track at the beginning, starts to calm halfway but then it appears to be building up for an impressive finale. I'm really curious right now what I will think of this one in two years time or so. The other two tracks are a bit shorter and somewhat less impressive but still of roundabout 4 star level to me.

I can conclude with more or less the same statements as with the debut: if you like heavy accessible neo prog this one ought to be checked out. If you want more original and challenging prog you can leave it though. Still an excellent release in my book. 4 stars.