Simon Phillips Discusses New DarWin Album and Toto Songs

DarWin, a progressive rock quintet led by DarWin (David Wallerstein) on rhythm guitar, Simon Phillips on drums and production, and Matt Bissonette on vocals, boasts a talented lineup of musicians, including lead guitarist Greg Howe and bassist Mohini Dey, with additional guest appearances. Phillips, a former member of Toto from 1992 to 2014, recently discussed the creative process behind a couple of Toto tracks as well as the latest DarWin album ‘Distorted Mirror.’

Reflecting on his time with Toto, Phillips shed light on the making of ‘I Will Remember,’ a beautiful ballad co-written by founding guitarist Steve Lukather and Stan Lynch of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Phillips’ unconventional tribal beat added a fresh dynamic to the song, enriching its emotional depth. He recalled how he proposed a Peter Gabriel-inspired approach during the Tambu album’s demo recordings, which diverged from Toto’s classic ’80s ballad sound. The result was a poignant and distinct track that resonated with listeners.

Another standout instrumental track from the ‘I Will Remember’ CD single was ‘Dave’s Gone Skiing,’ a jazz fusion piece that exemplified Toto’s musical versatility. Phillips, who co-wrote the track, acknowledged his love for composing intricate instrumentals, drawing influence from Toto’s earlier work while infusing a new level of complexity.

Moving on to the new DarWin album, ‘Distorted Mirror,’ Phillips highlighted a surprise addition to the record, ‘Rising Distortion,’ an innovative jazz fusion track reminiscent of Yes’ signature sound. Originally conceived as an afterthought during the album’s recording sessions, the track evolved into a captivating piece with contributions from the talented DarWin, Greg Howe, and Mohini Dey. Phillips commended Dey’s exceptional bass skills and Howe’s standout guitar solo, which enriched the overall composition.

Discussing the album’s more Toto-like ballad ‘Glow,’ Phillips emphasized the band’s enduring influence on his musical style and production approach. With the inclusion of guitarist Andy Timmons, the track achieved a blend of emotional depth and melodic richness that captivated audiences.

The ELP-inspired track ‘Loophole’ showcased DarWin’s eclectic range of ideas, prompting Phillips and Bissonette to collaborate on a dynamic and engaging arrangement. Phillips highlighted the importance of hands-on production and the collaborative process between the band members, emphasizing the significance of in-person recording sessions for capturing the essence of each track accurately.

‘Man vs Machine,’ a driving and progressive track from the album, captured Phillips’ energetic drumming style and highlighted DarWin’s penchant for dynamic composition. Drawing comparisons to Collective Soul’s ‘Shine,’ the track offered a high-octane listening experience while retaining a distinctive progressive edge.

In shedding light on his musical journey with Toto and his current collaboration with DarWin, Phillips emphasized the importance of creative freedom and collaborative spirit in crafting innovative and emotionally resonant music. As he continues to explore new musical avenues, Phillips’ legacy as a versatile drummer and producer remains a testament to his enduring talent and passion for pushing artistic boundaries.