BACK TO THE BONES

How to Enchant a Progressive Rock Fanatic

HAZE! AKA, The McMahon Family Band

Need I say more? Wait...you haven't heard of HAZE? But they've been around, more or less, since 1978! Sheffield, UK-based, helping progressive music stay alive in that dour disco-drenched decade.

Confession

No, neither have I, and I'm old as dirt. Speaking of which, Paul- vocals/guitars, and Chris- bass/keyboards must have been around 10 or 12 years old when they started the band. (Joking...I think.)

Totally amazing to hear them still hard at it, now with their latest release to which I now address myself.

Respect!

Influences come to mind, both because band members freely note them, and because I've been listening to music for so darn long.

I could well hear Ian Anderson have a heyday with some of these folky/dark/story-telling/sardonic lyrics. And of course Catrina's flute and violin touches didn't hurt that comparison either. Strawbs, in the mellotron/majestic, symphonic passages that HAZE produces with effortless grace.

The Moody Blues, Grateful Dead (!), Rory Gallagher (some very tasty, spry bluesy guitar licks here and there), KAYAK- who also have spun some classical majesty from time to time, Uriah Heep with that growling, soaring Hammond organ sound...I could go on.

But It's Really HAZE After All

That's one factor that enchants a progressive rock fanatic- the way HAZE pulls from, adds to, distills, makes theirs- the past masters in one simmering stew.

Drawing From Ancient Arts and Modern Maladies

Lyrics refer to dwarves and ancient horrors, "anti-social media" hatred and hostility and ignorance, and of course, the pandemic scourge which has changed, distorted, and ended many lives around the planet.

Perhaps the Center

For me at least, the center of this album, the most touching, disturbing, tender, and uplifting track is "Suzanne". The back story tells of 90-year-old Suzanne Hoylaerts who when offered the ventilator to breathe for her COVID- ravaged lungs, declined, saying the technology should be given to younger souls. She had a good life and wanted to help the next generations- then, died.

Even Anti-War Sentiments

The album covers a lot of lyrical and musical territory, as I hope I am explaining. I've always been a soft touch for long-lived bands, knowing a little bit from personal experience of the rigors of band life- and a soft touch for musicians who really have something to say musically and lyrically, things that have substance, weight, and import.

HAZE Does

Musically, then- crazy tempo changes. Variety from gentle to raging, tender to soaring, acoustic to metal, intricate to majestic. I couldn't get enough. This progressive rock fanatics is enchanted. One will hear English sea-shanty sounds, folk, symphonic progressive music, progressive metal, mellow keyboards, misty mellotron, soaring synthesizer, mandolin, gritty bass, crisp percussion.

Woven together so well.

And is the torch being passed?

Danny McMahon, Chris's son, masterminded "Lockdown", playing guitars, keys, drums- the works- and shows a deft, singular mastery of the idioms presented, yet adding some freshness and new perspectives to the band.

I had the impression of considerable McMahon talent there, next gen...

In Conclusion:

Masterful. Moving. Monumental progressive rock recording! 4.5+ stars.

Originally published (with fancy pix and links) on progressiverockfanatics.wordpress.com

This is only a quick and short review. So when I first heard this on their Bandcamp account. The are on of the oldest not very well known bands of all time, seemingly? I was blown away when I first listened to this album, be prepared to listen to all 10 songs in one sitting, it just flows from one to the other. It's the best All round Prog album of this year. Listen to it and make up your own decision but if you love British Prog you will Love this album If 2020 is not a year to watch these bands at least it has been a year of great Studio Albums

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.