Darrel Treece-Birch is arguably best known as the keyboard wizard in melodic hard rockers Ten for around the last decade or so. Though there’s more to him than that – take for example his time with Nth Ascension and his solo work too.
Now we have his latest solo offering titled Choices going out with the Atlantea name. Darrel has written and composed the thirteen tracks and played all instruments bar the occasional bit of guitar and bass from guests and the vocals provided by a range of guests also.
The title – Choices – refers to the album being about decisions we take or never make, it’s about questions and mysteries, our hopes and fears. That’s the loose concept which flows through proceedings being told by intelligent lyrics.
Musically it is a varied listen encompassing many styles and genres though overall I suppose you’d say it is generally progressive.
Throughout it is very well written, composed and performed with Darrel having the freedom do to whatever he wants to do and of course his keyboard work is adept, classy and full of scope.
After the two minutes or so of the intro style track with jump in to Questions, which is quite edgy with the big keys laying down the atmosphere for a lush guitar riff to wash over and a nice melodic bass line giving an overall feel of a symphonic rocker.
As does The Watchers which heavies things up a little more with the riff and more glorious keyboard work. Boarders on Styx style “pomp” rock I’d say.
To show the range of styles here. All I Need is a well-paced gentle ballad with Darrel’s daughter Kayleigh providing the vocal.
What Price is Life, One and the Same and If We Could a trio of classy proggy songs perhaps for comparison purposes somewhat similar to say Pendragon (well, to my ears anyway).
You Decide roars in as a punchy three minute instrumental bookended by heavy guitars.
The Promise a glorious, sweeping eight minutes as is Secret Place.
Check out also Changes and Rise Above. Wonderfully emotive vocals on both from Tony Mitchell and on Rise Above a remarkable guitar solo from Darrel’s band mate in Ten Dann Rosingana which is full of tone and feeling.
Choices is an album which draws the one in revealing more with each listen and has something for everyone given not only the composition and musicianship but also how Darrel’s song writing brings in so many varied styles and holds the attention throughout.
Have a listen to The Watchers:
Choices is mainly a digital release for all you streaming types, however there is a limited run of 500 CDs.
Those CDs available via Darrel’s Big Cartel page:
https://darreltreecebirch.bigcartel.com
For you streamers, here’s the Amazon Music link though it’s available on other platforms:
https://amzn.to/46PfGMR