"The Purest of Designs" took composer Steve Cochrane 15 years to complete. He began writing the music as a young artist in 1982 and he finalized the album in Sweden together with co-producer Roland Ivarsson during 1997. "The Purest of Designs" is a symphonic composition blended with elements of various styles, including progressive rock.

The drums and basses are programmed, but it's hard to notice. Steve does the electric, classical and acoustic guitars proving to be a good guitarist as well as a good singer, when doing all the lead vocals by himself. Steve's vision of music runs through the entire 60 minutes of music on 11 songs. The centerpiece of the album is the seven-part and 27 minute long composition called 'Songs for Spring'. Steve Cochrane describes the suite:

"With the use of seasonal symbolism, it tells how a child becomes an artist and of the inner struggles he encounters in his quest for artistic truth. In retrospect, the child in the story may well be myself."

The final piece, 'The Promise of the Music', looks back on his earlier work, as he self puts it. Brilliant arrangements and beautiful dazzling acoustic guitars show Steve's talents both in playing and in writing music. 'The Purest of Designs' is recommended.

The Canadian multi-instrumentalist Steve Cochrane is here with his third release. This is a concept album, and the music is melodic symphonic & progressive rock, with many instrumental passages and catchy melodies. Steve's influences are Genesis, Mike Oldfield and Rush. Besides his influences there's reminiscences to Camel, Elegant Simplicity, The Flower Kings, Jeremy, Tangerine Dream and Yes.

Steve is a good guitar player and his playing is a mix between Steve Hackett (Genesis), Steve Howe (Yes), Andy Latimer (Camel), Mike Oldfield and Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings). His vocals is sometimes reminiscent to Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). Steve is an impressive and skilled composer who is putting a lot of work and soul into the lyrics.

One of the tracks, "Songs For Spring" is divided into seven parts, and all in all it's 27 minutes. The highlights are "To The Glory of Man", "The Scent of After Rain" which is one part of "Songs For Spring", the poppy folk inspired "Dreams Of Reason" and the final classical influenced epic instrumental "The Promise Of The Music", that is almost 16 minutes. A masterpiece!

The album has got a good production with a clear sound. It's actually mixed in Sweden! It's an excellent album, and I wish I got the chance to hear more from Steve Cochrane in the future. Most highly recommended!