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"Under A Watchful Eye" Review Featured In Mixdown Monthly, June, 1998
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Darren Wilson
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Review of "Under A Watchful Eye"
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By: Adrian Pertout
arren Wilson's "Under A Watchful Eye" showcases the guitar talents of South Australia's Darren Wilson, and it is undoubtedly a piece of work aimed directly at the physiognomy of the discerning muso. The EP length CD was written, recorded and performed entirely on a 4 track recorder by Darren between the years of 1996 and 1998 and is definently representive of the conversant portrayal of a '90s guitar hero.
"Mission Complete" is the first offering from "Under A Watchful Eye" and presents some George Lynch and Vito Bratta inspired licks in between a sixteenth note guitar heaven a la Joe Satriani, with some solid drum machine grooves. "Mystery" displays the laid back angle of Darren's playing and also acts as a dreamy melodic rendezvous in preperation for the double kick drum pedalling and power packed esoteric rock riffs of the title track "Under A Watchful Eye". The energy continues to evolve with the pop wisdom of "Windows" and the illusive nature of "State Of Illusion" which follows. A tune that is a celestial sandwhich of mild emotions up until the ZZ Top pumped up soloing hijacks the event. "Vision Splendid" is the last track on this CD and has a clear focus on the artistry of Darren's melodic formations.
For a 4 track recording the overall quality is quite amazing and the low cost production aspect presents no lack of sparkle in the music. It will be interesting to see where Darren Wilson ventures next and the terrain that he explores on his quest for glory.
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©
Adrian Pertout / Mixdown Monthly
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