Guitarist/pianist Tony Macalpine had been combining elements of jazz-rock fusion into his neo-classical style with varying results since the early '90s, but it wasn't until Evolution that he finally came up with the right mixture. Much more than a mere technician, Macalpine demanded more input from his sidemen here, bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Mark Kener, in order to achieve a more mature musical statement. Together the trio manages to pull off the difficult task of creating interesting instrumental music that is far removed from the genre's typical self-indulgent acrobatics. With that consideration, this is still a predominately shred-oriented session, but the fusion-influenced tracks such as "Time Table" and "Futurism" prove to be the more interesting moments. There are also two classical pieces here, one played on piano and the other on synthesizer and guitar. This is one of Macalpine's more complete releases and offered a promising glimpse into his more fusion-oriented endeavors he would explore with Planet X and CAB. ~ Robert Taylor, All Music Guide
