The UFO (not the group but Unidentified Flying Object) of the progressive musical landscape is back with a new album 'Fauna': of course, I mean the Brits of 'Haken' who continue their way because after 'Virus' in 2020, here is 'Fauna' which, as its name suggests, revolves around the reign animal and, the least we can say, is that it brings as much creativity and modernity as its predecessor and I wouldn't even try for a second to give it a particular style label so 'Haken' continues to cast a wide net, the only qualifier that comes to mind being simply progressive. At the level of the line up, something quite surprising, it is the first keyboardist of the group 'Peter Jones' who is back after 14 years of absence (even before the release of 'Aquarius' in 2010) replacing 'Diego Tejeida'. Rest assured, this absolutely does not encroach on the cohesion of the group which, even, from my point of view, is reinforced.
From the start, 'Taurus' challenges us with its bestial introduction (obviously given the theme!) and sends us a first title well in phase with one of the great strengths of the band (all this in the first minute of the song ): this capacity to transport us in roller coaster of intensity by accumulating a very big tension which then bursts in a beneficial relaxation. Follows 'Nightingale' which extends the creative palette of the group towards almost jazzy horizons with this improbable encounter between heavy guitar riffs and a capella singing (at 1.40), the whole of which can of course only be tamed after several listenings as was my case: one of the major titles of the album. Here, with 'The Alphabet of Me' (see the video above), we are now listening to a contemporary electro album with this introduction which has the added bonus of being illuminated by the remarkable vocals of 'Ross Jennings' which is a chameleon with his instrument, adapting perfectly to the different stylistic directions taken by the group. The contrast is magnificent and striking as always at 1.40 when the guitar riffs storm the title: still pure creative 'Haken'! With what has just passed between our ears, we become so demanding that the introduction of 'Sempiternal Beings' seems bland to me but, not for very long because 'Ross Jennings' once again takes us on a sound delirium that makes us go from hot to cold in a flash, the chorus bringing a melody that delicately tickles your neurons and that, I hadn't mentioned it yet, there is always in the English this ability to keep, despite all this complexity, a melodic approach bringing an immediate catch which makes it possible to return there and to deepen a title which one would find just good at the first listening and to then discover there all the intrinsic richness which transforms it into an exceptional title. The suite is not to be outdone and 'Beneath The White Rainbow' tumbles with a heavy sounding base and still with its share of surprises, sweeping 180 degrees from the many atmospheres giving pride of place to rich and complex instrumental sections and, at the risk of repeating myself, to an always wonderful singing of 'Ross Jennings' then, 'Island In The Clouds' shows a less contrasted face while keeping a nice melodic hook. Follows 'Lovebite' which takes us back to the eighties in a much more conventional way and contrasts with the rest but allows a melodic aside accessible from my first listen, and it's a welcome break before attacking 'Elephants Never Forget', the centerpiece of the album with a new progressive labyrinth in which it is good to get lost in the detour of the multiple changes of moods, the rhythm section being particularly innovative throughout the title. And to close this magnificent album, 'Eyes Of Ebony' offers us a final more moderate and more accessible composition with a guitar with fast and jerky riffs which leads the dance and which brings a feeling of lightness and gives off a positive energy, the vocal arrangements adding to this ambient enthusiasm.
In summary, the British of 'Haken' surprise again by offering us this so original and unique know-how of combining compositions accessible by the melodic side while keeping progressive constructions which require to linger there to draw all the wealth, and 'Fauna' is added to their discography by always bringing something new, and that's not given to all artists to renew themselves with each album release: it must be called just talent... | |
