Song For Mimi
Psychiatric, 2025
9/10
The Haas Company return with a 3rd installment of their inventive ideas, where the Swedish guitar wizard Samuel Hällkvist lends his talents to 10 inimitable tracks.
The rhythmic and meticulous “Aphelion” starts the listen with Steve Haas’ acrobatic drumming alongside Hällkvist’s radiant guitar and Guy Pratt’s quick bass prowess, and “Shaguzo” follows with rich textures via Kirwan Brown’s frisky bass and Hällkvist’s acoustic guitar progressions.
The middle track belongs to “Smacky McBrown”, where Jerry Goodman’s animated electric violin and Pete Drungle’s lively keys won’t go unnoticed, while “Country Cousin” is a more intimate moment thanks to the pretty musicianship and heartfelt mood.
Deeper still, “Last Song” isn’t quite last but sure is memorable via Nicholas Draps’ soaring electric violin and Drungle’s colorful synth amid the rock fueled template, and “The 1970’s” exits with some retro flavor courtesy of Todd Reynolds’ complicated violin, the detailed rhythm section and, of course, Hällkvist’s unparalleled guitar skills.
Yet another outstanding fusion affair, The Haas Company unload so many grooves into this jazz/prog hybrid that you can’t help but be in awe of.
Travels well with: The Haas Company- Celestial Latitude; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour