During this dormant period, we were fortunate to receive an offer from Cuneiform Records to participate in their 40th-anniversary celebration. After much deliberation and numerous twists and turns, we are proud to announce the release of our new EP, 4037.

In our first rehearsal in ten years, we experienced a gratifying reconnection with our ensemble sound, showing no trace of the long gap and moving smoothly into the composition of new pieces we had prepared. The EP title, 4037, holds particular significance: the "40" celebrates Cuneiform's milestone anniversary, and the "37" marks the years since the founding of Happy Family. This album stands as a gesture of gratitude towards Cuneiform and its founder, Steve Feigenbaum, who reignited our momentum and inspired this return.

In an unprecedented approach, each of the four members contributed an original piece, crafting a distinctive album of collaborative expression. Additionally, and uniquely, all tracks were recorded without prior live performances. For the piece “Itchu” each member performed individually, with their recorded performances layered sequentially to create a composition that emerged entirely through an online session.

We are now thrilled to see how, after this long silence, the world's progressive rock community will respond to this new work from Happy Family. And we eagerly look forward to the day we can perform it live for all of you.

In honor of 40 years of perseverance and creative passion.
– Kenichi Morimoto

Pygmalion (Takahiro Izutani) A nod to the Pygmalion effect in psychology, this opening track reflects the evolution of both Happy Family and Cuneiform Records. From its haunting muted piano intro to its explosive finale, "Pygmalion" captures the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing journey of a band reborn.

Hypocrisy (Hidemi Ichikawa) Inspired by personal struggles and a transformative period in bassist Hidemi Ichikawa's life, “Hypocrisy” channels raw emotion into a dark, heavy riff-driven piece. The track reflects the dual nature of apology and humanity’s capacity for sincerity and deceit, offering listeners an intense sonic journey.

The Flying Man (Kenichi Morimoto) Keyboardist Kenichi Morimoto's “The Flying Man” is a high-speed homage to avant- garde influences, including the works of Henry Cow and Scandinavian experimental band Jaga Jazzist. Inspired by Kobo Abe’s enigmatic unfinished novel, this track showcases the band’s intricate interplay and dynamic shifts.

Itchu (Keiichi Nagase) Named after a Zen meditation practice, drummer Keiichi Nagase’s “Itchu” is an improvisational masterpiece born entirely of online collaboration. Each member layered their contributions sequentially, resulting in a meditative yet chaotic composition that embodies the band's spirit of innovation.

"Skewered blasts of noisome, Red metal shatters through rough and tumble landscapes of shuddering percussion, ominous, gravelly basslines and wheezing synths. An all-instrumental bulldozer of an album..." – i/e

Happy Family first appeared in the early 1990s as part of the explosion of exciting, underground bands that came roaring out of Japan at that time, such as Ruins, Bondage Fruit, Tipographica and Boredoms.

An instrumental quartet of keyboards, guitar, bass and drums, they released two albums of over-the-top, metal, King Crimson & Magma influenced avant-progressive rock for Cuneiform Records in 1995 (Happy Family) & 1997 (Toscco) and then fell silent...until now!

Reforming with 3 of the 4 members of the group who appeared on Tossco:
Kenichi Morimoto - keyboards
Takahiro Izutani - guitar
Keiichi Nagasse - drums
and with new bassist Hidemi Ichikawa, 15 years later, they are back and just as heavy and intense as they ever were and they still sound like no one else except Happy Family!

This new printing of the band's second album includes the previously Japanese-only bonus track "Dear My Daughter."

Toscco is the much anticipated 2nd release from Japan's premier Zeuhl smokers. Still an instrumental quartet of keyboards, guitar, bass & drums, the years of work & playing since their 1st release have given them even more confidence & a more "gritty" sound. The addition of new guitarist Takahiro Izutani has also notched up the energy level. He's also a fine songwriter, & has contributed a new slant to their sound. This is a big step forward from their much appreciated first.

Influenced by groups such as Magma, Univers Zero, King Crimson and Area. If you can imagine a full CD's worth of the kind of inspired playing and intensity of "De Futura", you'll have an idea of what this is!