Haken thread v. "Evening With" tour (some set spoilers)

[Zydar]

[ErHaO]

Oof, I did not like that song at all.  I listened earlier and again just now, and neither listen did anything for me.  I put this band into the "try before you buy" box after the last two albums, and between Nightingale and this new song, they sound like a band whose good creative ideas have totally dried up.  What a bummer.

Notwithstanding the fact that I obviously don't agree, I also find generalisations like the bolded hard to get my head around. But then I do realise that you've always been pretty picky with Haken's music - from memory you're rarely keen on their singles, and even the albums you now hold in high regard took a while for you to come round on.

For the album as a whole, it's hard to say who will like what. I think fans who, like me, enjoy the different sides of Haken's music should generally like it a lot and many will (I hope) love it. Those who like some aspects of their sound but not all, I would think will at least like some of the songs because of how varied the album is, but may not find much/all of it to their tastes depending on what specifically they do and don't like.

That new song has a modern (2010's) pop music vibe/sound to it that I do not enjoy.

I find this description quite funny because I'd say the only 2010s influence in there isn't pop at all, but indie in the form of Everything Everything. The strong pop sound in the intro is more Craig David (early 2000s), and the outro sounds more like Sting.

It sounds very poppy to my ears, with the key sounds and the oh oohs reminding me very much of songs here on the radio. That said, it is entirely possible pop music on the radio here is different.

For the record, pop music is not at all lesser to me and the song as a whole is clearly prog. It is not more straightforward like, say, The Mars Volta or Leprous recently (both which I love a lot).

[ariich]

Oh yeah no doubt there's a big pop influence, and as you say it's not a bad thing. I just think the pop influence is more retro, whereas the indie side of it is the more modern part.

Which is your current favourite song off Fauna, Rich?

Tricky one. Honestly I think it's all really great, and I like different things about each song. For example, White Rainbow wouldn't be my favourite overall, but it has probably my favourite chorus. I love Alphabet for the pop prog stylings. Island in the Clouds is kind of Porcupine Tree mixed with Host and has some incredible moments. Sempiternal Beings is just epic. Eyes of Ebony has really cool modern fusion stylings (Tigran-esque) mixed with some incredibly emotive stuff. It's all just so good.

[Nick]

With Nightingale, I had some complaints with how disjointed it was and how complex for the sake of complexity it seemed at times. Was still excited that it was pretty fresh compared to the Virus/Vector sound. The new song however, now I'm where I should be when it comes to excitement for a new Haken album.

The Alphabet of Me is just a fresh, but it breathes so well. So many nice little parts from everyone easily picked out and enjoyed, with overall strong hooks and melodies. I ended up ordering the picture disc of the new album.

[hefdaddy42]

I really liked The Alphabet of Me.

And since I also really liked Nightingale, that bodes well for the new album.

[Kram]

It wasn't what I expected and it challenged me a bit as a listener on the my first listen, and that's a good thing.

[jammindude]

If I waited until summer (when we’ve all had a few months to digest Fauna) how many do you think would participate in a Haken top 40?

Even though they would only have 58 songs total by that point, I still think it would be fun. (If it were me doing it, the demo would not be considered. Just the 7 studio albums and the EP. And Messiah Complex would be counted as one track)

[Mladen]

I'd participate. 

[Zydar]

Yeah, me too.

[axeman90210]

Likewise.

[KevShmev]

Ah yes, another one for me to run.

I'm down. 

[hefdaddy42]

Ah yes, another one for me to run.

I think jammin said he would run this one.

I'd be down to participate.

[jammindude]

Ah yes, another one for me to run.

I think jammin said he would run this one.

I'd be down to participate.

I said “*IF* I ran it.” 

I think it might be fun, and summer is when I’d have the most free time anyway, but if Kev was already percolating the idea and he was itching to do it, then I would never step in on that. (I’m not a super competitive guy. I just love seeing other people be happy.)

[Metro]

I’m down.

[DTA]

I'm in

[Zydar]

North America tour dates announced.

https://twitter.com/Haken_Official/status/1602709947430707200?s=19

[King Postwhore]

Boston here I come!

[cramx3]

Would be nice if they updated their website with links.  No idea where that NYC show is or where to get tickets.  I know it's not on sale yet, but I'd like to know these things when announced.

[Nick]

Philly and NYC are stops without question. Nashville is highly likely as it's a cheap fly in/out and I'd love to see a tour opener with no spoilers.

Looking at possibilities past that, will see what happens.

[Ben_Jamin]

It's either El Paso, Denver, or Phoenix for me.

[hefdaddy42]

Dammit, going to Charlotte not Raleigh.

[jammindude]

SEATTLE ON A SATURDAY!!!!!!

[Revenge319]

If I waited until summer (when we’ve all had a few months to digest Fauna) how many do you think would participate in a Haken top 40?

Even though they would only have 58 songs total by that point, I still think it would be fun. (If it were me doing it, the demo would not be considered. Just the 7 studio albums and the EP. And Messiah Complex would be counted as one track)

I would certainly participate in this.

[King Postwhore]

SEATTLE ON A SATURDAY!!!!!!

Old man excitement. We old farts hate weekday shows now. Lol

[Ben_Jamin]

I just realized...

Helloween is the day before Haken in Denver. So, I might just drive-in/fly the day of Helloween, stay to see Haken, then leave the next day. 

I think that works out quite nicely...

[TAC]

Boston here I come!

The Paradise is a strange place to book this, no?

[King Postwhore]

Boston here I come!

The Paradise is a strange place to book this, no?

Why would you say that Tim?  Haken is not filling a 2,000 seat arena.  I've seen some awesome bands there. 

[cramx3]

Boston here I come!

The Paradise is a strange place to book this, no?

Why do you think so? I've been there once before, if I recall, it's a small GA pit club venue which seems normal for a Haken headline show.

lol beat by the king

[hefdaddy42]

Not idea about that venue, but when I saw them a few years ago here in NC, they played a TINY place.

[TAC]

Boston here I come!

The Paradise is a strange place to book this, no?

Why would you say that Tim?  Haken is not filling a 2,000 seat arena.  I've seen some awesome bands there.

Has it changed in 30 years? The last time I was there was 1994.

[King Postwhore]

Boston here I come!

The Paradise is a strange place to book this, no?

Why would you say that Tim?  Haken is not filling a 2,000 seat arena.  I've seen some awesome bands there.

Has it changed in 30 years? The last time I was there was 1994.

I haven't been there since 2009.  It was redone a little bit back then but I couldn't tell you.

[DTwwbwMP]

I'd participate. 

me2

[DTwwbwMP]

Would be nice if they updated their website with links.  No idea where that NYC show is or where to get tickets.  I know it's not on sale yet, but I'd like to know these things when announced.

It is on Bleecker street. Tickets available Friday through the venue' website. I think I'll go to Philly at the TLA instead. That place doesn't excite me, but since no Keswick, no choice. I'm NOT going to the Village for a show!

[cramx3]

Would be nice if they updated their website with links.  No idea where that NYC show is or where to get tickets.  I know it's not on sale yet, but I'd like to know these things when announced.

It is on Bleecker street. Tickets available Friday through the venue' website. I think I'll go to Philly at the TLA instead. That place doesn't excite me, but since no Keswick, no choice. I'm NOT going to the Village for a show!

Ah thanks, I saw Unleash the Archers at this venue.  Small GA spot, I didn't hate it.

[gmillerdrake]

Bummed there's no St. Louis date. They've stopped in here a couple times and there's always been a great crowd....plus....the full play of Affinity and that tour they had going was cancelled in St. Louis one week before it was set to go due to Covid. Was hoping they'd throw a return date in there for us  :'(

The Nashville show is on a Wednesday night so that'll be tough to get to with the kiddos.