BACK TO THE BONES

Due to a combination of geography and timing I have never seen Haze play, although I did see World Turtle about 30 years ago (which is pretty much the same thing), and have seen Chris play both solo and in other outfits, but there is no doubt they have always been one of my favourite neo prog acts and this 2020 album shows exactly why. Haze have always been a gigging band, and I cannot imagine any other prog outfit playing as many shows as Chris McMahon (keyboards, bass, electric mandola, backing vocals) and Paul McMahon (guitars, lead vocals, mandolin) have over the years, but they have not been nearly as active on the recording front. When they released 'The Last Battle' in 2013 it was the first Haze or World Turtle studio album since 1997's 'Wilderness of Eden', and 'Back to the Bones' was the next. By this time drummer Paul Chisnell had left due to tinnitus, so Chris's son Danny McMahon (drums & percussion, guitar, keyboards) took his place while Catrin Ashton (fiddle, flute, mandolin, backing vocals) who had joined prior to the last album was still here to add her additional colour.

When it comes to Neo, these guys set the template all the way back in 1978 and for many years did not see a reason to change too much but the addition of Catrin has added to the style they pursued for the many years they were a trio. Their style of prog has always been hard rock-based, with Paul's clear vocals taking them in a very commercial area while Chris switches between bass and keyboards as his lead instrument. Catrin is unusual in that she plays both strings and woodwind, which means she can easily provide melodies which moves the music more into folk areas when the need arises. Yes, there are moments when one is reminded of The Moody Blues or Jethro Tull, but this is solid Haze throughout as the brothers from Sheffield take us on yet another journey. There is a real depth to their music, delivered by two guys who know each other incredibly well and combine to produce music which at times can feel quite simplistic but the depths of the arrangements take them to a whole new level with bass, guitar and keyboards often coming across as one. They also are never afraid to add multiple layers of rock guitar if that is what is required, and no-one can ever accuse them of wimping out, as they are an outfit who never forget the second work in the term "prog rock".

It is commercial, it is fun, and for any fans of this style of progressive music then there is a great deal here to enjoy. I have yet to hear a Haze release I didn't like, and there is no reason at all to start now. Since this there has been the most recent release 'The Water's Edge' and although they have now been at it for 45 years Haze are showing no sign at all of slowing down yet, and long may they continue.