(Neo-Prog, Prog Folk) Haze - The Last Battle - 2013, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Haze biography

HAZE was formed in 1978 by brothers Chris and Paul McMahon and were one of a handful of groups in the late 70's/early 80's who embraced progressive rock and formed the neo-prog movement in the UK. The band spent years going through several lineup changes and small gigs, until 1983 when drummer Paul Chisnell joined the band. The band would remain stable for the next five years until its demise in 1988.

The band released its albums on its own label Gabadon Records. In 1984 the band released its first full-length offering titled "C'est La Vie". The band then toured, releasing several tapes, including "The Ember", "Cellar Replay" and the live "Warts n' All". In 1987, the band released its second and last LP "Stoat & Bottle" and followed that up with a tour of Holland.

In 1988, the band decided to call it quits, plagued by financial difficulties and musical differences. They played a farewell concert in Sheffield in May and disbanded. Chris and Paul McMahon formed a new group called WORLD TURTLE shortly thereafter, without drummer Paul Chisnell, but including Pendragon drummer Fudge Smith. Paul McMahon soon left the band however and retired from the music business. Chris went on to form TREEBEARD, a folk outfit, as well as releasing his own solo album.

In 1993, Kinesis Disks released the HAZE compilation album "In The End: 1978-1988". This sparked renewed interest in the band, and Paul McMahon came out of retirement to reform WORLD TURTLE with his brother. An album titled "World Turtle/Haze" was released in 1994, although it has never been clear whether this was the final album for HAZE or the first album for WORLD TURTLE. Because it includes many songs written and recorded by HAZE, it has been included here.

In 1996, Cyclops music released the compilation "C'est La Vie/The Ember", followed in 2000 by "Cellar Replayed" and in 2008 by "Stoat & Bottle". As these are the only available versions of original HAZE studio material, these are included as their studio albums, with "In The End" listed as a compilation album. The band WORLD TURTLE has released further albums, which take a more commercial approach to music. HAZE has reformed occasionally to do anniversary concerts, the latest of which was captured on their "30th Anniversary Shows" live CD in 2008.

http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5416

Haze - The Last Battle
3.49 | 35 ratings | 3 reviews | 12% 5 stars - progarchives.com

A long time coming, this is the first CD of new studio recordings from Haze for over 25 years ('Stoat & Bottle' was released in 1987). The classic line-up of Chris McMahon, Paul McMahon and Paul Chisnell have been joined by Cat & Ceri Ashton of The Outlandish Knights (which is the ceilidh band which features all five of them ? so one could argue that this is an Outlandish Knights album with Haze influences, or possibly the other way around). One thing these guys have always managed to do is keep different bands going with different names and musical styles (I have seen Chris onstage at least three times, but never as part of Haze!). So here we have a prog album with plenty of folk influences. While Haze have always swapped instruments and all taken lead vocals, the addition of the Ashton sisters who are both happy on woodwind and strings has given the music a further depth and a much stronger folk sound.
If you can imagine classic Seventies rock mixed with Red Jasper and later-period Fairport Convention then may just get close to what this album sounds like. It is all over the place in terms of what is going on so a folk number may get blown away by an electric rocker while the drum kit may be replaced by congas or a yambu. This is all about quality melodic songs, not about being flash and over the top so consequently the listener soon finds themselves wrapped into their world. All three guys take on lead vocals, sometimes duetting or swapping lines, which again adds to the depth of the album.

I greatly regret never having seen Haze in concert, but do have fond memories of World Turtle (the McMahon brothers with a drum machine) who not only released incredible albums but were amazing live, and I can only imagine that Haze were even better! I would love to have been at the Haze 30th Anniversary show where some of these numbers were showcased for the first time. They have also tried a couple of these out with some of their other bands before settling them into Haze.

There is no doubt in my mind that Haze are one of the most criminally overlooked bands from the UK, whatever genre. These guys are all about producing class music that is accessible and layered that can be enjoyed from the very first play. Chris is the happiest guy I have ever seen onstage, always with a huge smile on his face, and isn't music all about having fun? Sadly this turned out to be Paul Chisnell's swansong as he had to retire due to suffering severe tinnitus. So, keeping it in the family the new drummer is Danny McMahon (Paul's son) while the band has permanently expanded to a four-piece with the full-time addition of Ceri Ashton. If you go to the website not only can you order the album (either physical or downloads) but you can also see the details for each song, who played what and the story behind it plus the lyrics. Of course, while you're there check out the gig list, what other items they have for sale and of course the rest of their bands. If you haven't a copy of their 20th Anniversary double CD set then there is just no excuse and you need to pick that up at the same time. www.gabadon.co.uk

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=40562

Первый студийный альбом после 20 лет молчания британской группы Haze, стоявшей у истоков возникновения нео-прога в Великобритании.
Красивый альбом (ИМХО),с запоминающимися мелодиями и значительным фолковым влиянием.

Paul McMahon / vocals, electric, acoustic & classical guitars, bass, mandolin
Chris McMahon / bass, keyboards, 12 string acoustic guitar, bouzouki, vocals
Paul Chisnell / drums, vocals
Ceri Ashton / whistle, flute, clarinet, viola, cello
Catrin Ashton / fiddle, flute