DARWIN

Reinventing the concept album and raising the technical bar, DarWin are the prog band to beat. Guitarist Greg Howe and bassist Mohini Dey, plus the supergroup's mysterious namesake, tell us about new album, Distorted Mirror

- Words Henry Yates

Most supergroups are an exercise in egomania.

But back in 2015, DarWin formed with the purest of intentions: to fill each position with the best musician in their discipline, set them loose on ambitious, narrative-driven material, and let the sparks fly. On drums and production, there's god-among-sessioners Simon Phillips. On vocals (breaking from his familiar role as bassist), Ringo Starr and Elton John associate, Matt Bissonette.

On rhythm guitar? Well, that's a little trickier. In an age when we're told mystique is dead in rock 'n' roll, we know next to nothing about the project's songwriter, svengali and namesake. Fortunately, while DarWin himself will only answer emailed questions about new studio album, Distorted Mirror, veteran guitar virtuoso Greg Howe and Mumbai-born bass sensation Mohini Dey are happy to fill the gaps.

How did you get involved with the DarWin project?

Greg Howe: “Back in 2018, I was working in LA with Simon Phillips in Protocol. One day, he said, ‘There’s a guy who wants you to play on his songs.’ So I went down to Simon’s studio and heard DarWin’s stuff. He was online with us, so we’d record something, send him a quick mp3, then he’d get back with critiques. I just remember thinking, ‘This is a unique sound.’ And I’m always into that. As for DarWin himself, he’s quite mysterious. I can’t even say much more about him.”

Whereas, Mohini, you joined in 2022. What’s the appeal of DarWin for you?