CELLAR REPLAYED

Despite the release of their first ever LP and the relatively good success many UK Neo Prog bands were tasting in mid-80's, Haze still struggled to come on the surface regarding their promotion, remaining a pretty underground band yet with a solid fan base.However they toured the whole UK, gigging endlessly and in 1985 another one of the many cassette releases of Haze entitled ''The cellar replay'' sees the light.

Surprisingly the trio of Chris McMahon/Paul McMahon/Paul Chisnell returned with a stronger sound than on ''C'est la vie'' and it wpuld be quite unfair if this album had been lost in time.It was fortunately re-released in CD format by Cyclops under the title ''Cellar replayed'', featuring four more tracks and resulting a 16-track Neo Prog adventure.The sound of the album is quite raw for most of its length, typical sound of many underground UK bands, mixing more straightforward tunes with somewhat symphonic-oriented Progressive Rock definitely with the flashy edge characterizing the Neo movement.And while the rockier parts in the vein of early JADIS or JUMP were strongly presented on ''C'est la vie'', the more symphonic-inclined style of the band was pretty much hidden on their LP.Haze even deliver some good acoustic passages and add flute parts in some tracks to sound heavily influenced by GENESIS (just listen to the similarities between ''Turn around'' and GENESIS' ''Afterglow'') and their style on these tracks follows a secure but very delicate Symphonic Rock led by sensitive guitar work, a mix of synths and organs and some very beautiful vocal work by the trio.The Neo Prog fundamentals though are still present.Guitars alternating from fiery riffing to emotional solos, a pounding rhythm section and more aggressive vocal lines.But this time the band blended nicely this style with an elegant symphonically-adjusted side to perform in a more varied situation and finally earning good respect.

Thanks to the Cyclops' team the listener will have the opportunity to taste another rough but inspired Neo Prog experience with a balanced sound and a variety of atmospheres and approaches.Recommened, especially to fans of underground Neo/Symphonic Progressive Rock.

Surely, Haze are one of the best-loved British prog bands, although I have studiously managed to miss all of their gigs since they reformed. In the Eighties, they appeared to live on the road, bringing prog to the masses. Their first album release was a cassette called 'The Cellar Tapes' which came out in 1983. Having sold all of the copies, and having gained a new drummer in Paul Chisnell they decided to go back into the studio in 1985 and re-record many of the songs for a new cassette, 'Cellar Replay'. Therefore, what I have in my player is a CD remastered reissue (with some extra tracks) of the 1985 re-recording of the 1983 album!! Confused?

This is very much like going back in time. The band have moved on a great deal since 1985, and even classics such as "Dig Them Mushrooms" (which was originally recorded for a single in 1981) sound quite different today. It is not an album that I would suggest that someone new to Haze should go for (get the superb, wonderful live album instead), but is one that anyone who has ever heard them should get immediately.

Originally appeared in Feedback #60