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""The Muse Awakens" proves to be one of the most beautiful Progressive successes of the year and makes it possible to discover Happy The Man, an excellent group which will have known only a success of esteem."
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4/5
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Formed in 1974, Happy The Man released their first album in 1977. This unknown band influenced by Genesis, King Crimson and Gentle Giant shines by the relevance of its repertoire, synthesizing perfectly what the fan of Progressive Rock can expect from such a formation: effective compositions, quality of execution and complexity of the themes.
'Contemporary Insanity' with its tortured power opens the album in the manner of King Crimson. The incisive breaks and the perfect setting also remind the good days of UK. In just over three minutes, this track sums up what Progressive Rock is all about.
At first sight, "The Muse Awakens" is close to Didier Lockwood's "Phoenix 90" period while keeping the trademark of the band, especially during the splendid keyboard chorus. The album develops between jazzy themes ('Adrift', 'Maui Sunset'), humorous dexterity ('Barking Spiders') and lyrical power ('Il Quinto Mare'). All this for the pleasure of the listener subjugated by a flawless aestheticism. Let us add to that the relevant choice of the sounds of the synthesizer as well as the interventions of the saxophone offering a wide sound palette.
Happy The Man realizes here a faultless. In spite of the almost total absence of vocals, "The Muse Awakens" proves to be one of the most beautiful progressive successes of the year 2004. It is regrettable that, in spite of a re-release in 2018, Happy The Man has only known a success of esteem and has decided to separate definitively after this album. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Contemporary Insanity - 3:24
02. The Muse Awakes - 5:36
03. Stepping Through Time - 6:31
04. Maui Sunset - 5:10
05. Lunch At The Psychedelicatessen - 4:59
06. Slipstream - 4:31
07. Barking Spiders - 4:11
08. Adrift - 4:04
09. Shadowlites - 3:52
10. Kindred Spirits - 5:26
11. Il Quinto Mare - 7:22
LINEUP:
David Rosenthal: Claviers
Frank Wyatt: Claviers / Saxophone
Joe Bergamini: Batterie
Rick Kennel: Basse
Stanley Whitaker: Chant / Guitares
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READERS
4.3/5 (3 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.8/5 (4 view(s))
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