Happy Family - Toscco. 1997 Japan

Happy Family's second album is a bit more "avant prog by the numbers" than the debut which was more of a consolidation of personal influences (Zeuhl, Symphonic rock, Canterbury, Chamber) and then sped up 10x. The intensity is still apparent, though there's more of an attempt to integrate cutesy type melodies - a hallmark of the genre - as if to overcompensate for the unrelenting tension the band brings forth. There's really no standout tracks, though the two lengthier numbers seem to play to Happy Family's strength of producing massive - and fast moving - slabs of sound. Toscco is an excellent sophomore effort, and many see it as an improvement, though I felt it was more of a step back to a safe zone, and thus less influential and reckless than the debut.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Cuneiform. Typical new jewel case release. Contains original cartoon artwork. 

1997; 11/18/14 (new entry)