Originally formed by brothers Paul and Chris McMahon in Sheffield way back in 1978, Haze have been a fixture of the music scene in a career spanning six decades, albeit with the occasional interregnum. While their longevity is impressive, it is by no means unique within the progressive world in 2024.
But, to cut to the chase, do the ever-eclectic Haze regard themselves as a prog band or not? Lead vocalist/guitarist Paul McMahon confronts the question head on without demur.
“It’s the closest [description]. We’re certainly not a heavy metal band. We’re more of a rock band that’s strayed into prog quite often. I would argue that Peter Gabriel hasn’t done anything prog for a long time, but because of what he used to do, everyone knows that he does what he does and he’s Peter Gabriel.
“Some of what we do is unashamedly and directly prog,” he continues, warming to his theme. “But not everything is. It’s important for us to have that spread and variety, just for us to be interested in what we’re doing.”
Paul muses that some prog fans may never listen to anything else, but that there are probably quite a few listeners who also enjoy other musical genres.
“What we’re doing never quite spills into pop music because it’s too long and the ideas are developed deeper. It’s more or less generic rock music with a strong ‘magpie’ element. We may drop in something that’s vaguely metal or folk or from ambient – anything that interests us.”
Indeed, Paul reveals that The Knife, a nowdefunct Swedish electro band, served as the inspiration for a song on their new album, The Water’s Edge, which was written by his wife, Haze’s fiddle and flute player, Catrin Ashton.
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Dig The New Breed
Supergroup collaborator and solo artist Neal Morse has switched things up for his latest album, No Hill For A Climber, and brought in a new team of young talent, referred to as The Resonance. The artist discusses working in a different way, the challenges of lyric-writing, and whether this spells the end of his songwriting partnership with Mike Portnoy.
Tree, Surgin
Formed in Norway in the early 90s, White Willow were among the retro-sounding bands that were at the forefront of Scandinavia's progressive revival, along with Anekdoten and Änglagård. Although they've been inactive for the last seven or so years, their first six albums are in the process of being reissued via Karisma Records. Bandleader Jacob Holm-Lupo revisits those early releases and reveals that album eight could be on the way soon.
An Accidental Decade
Ten years ago, the whimsical stories on Tiger Moth Tales' debut album, Cocoon, captured the imagination of the prog world. Marking the decade with a 10th anniversary edition of the album, TMT's Peter Jones shares some of his personal highlights with Prog and explains why he's still coming to terms with where it all went right.
Rite Here, Rite Now
After a 17-year break, Swedish four-piece Ritual have made a very welcome return with the first part of The Story Of Mr. Bogd. Guitarist/vocalist Patrik Lundström discusses embracing their inner child, the magic of Moomins and the musical journey that led to the creation of the two-part concept album.
The Hiet Is On
The Finnish musical everyman Marko Hietala has been through it all: mental-health issues, leaving the mighty Nightwish and even a stint on reality TV. Fortunately his new album, Roses From The Deep, reveals that he's still as much of a force as ever. Prog caught up with him to find out more.
LIFTING SHADOWS OFF A Dream
It was the reunion that no one thought would ever happen, but after 15 years of making music without him, Dream Theater have welcomed back co-founder Mike Portnoy on their 16th studio album. The drummer discusses Parasomnia, healing old wounds and touring the classic line-up for the band's 40th anniversary.
Ladies And Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space
Buckle up and prepare to be taken on the ride of a lifetime. Steven Wilson is back with The Overview, an album that even he admits is prog. Comprising two tracks, the conceptual suite includes lyrics from XTC's Andy Partridge and visuals that are out of this world. Prog visits the musician at home to get the lowdown.
RECURRING DREAMS
On his latest album, Heard Noises, Matt Berry takes a leap of faith musically and brings in a more reflective and, at times, confessional approach to lyric-writing. The actor-musician tells Prog about his mind-shift since entering his fifth decade and the very special gift he received from one of his musical heroes that's also played a role on the album package.
Hell - Ain't A Bad Place To Be
In celebration of three decades together, Mogwai have transformed a difficult period into a blazing post-rock extravaganza. The Bad Fire finds the \"prog curious\" Scots in fine form and taking unexpected inspiration from King Crimson, Jan Hammer and Pink Floyd. Bandleader Stuart Braithwaite admits it's never too late to discover The Dark Side Of The Moon.
DORIE JACKSON
Kaprekar's Constant vocalist on her solo career, her dad's influence and why she's happiest being a team player.
