Stan Whitaker and Frank Wyatt...two names that will forever be enshrined in progressive rock history as founding members of Happy the Man, one of the most beloved bands of the genre. While their main band is taking a little break from recording and touring, Whitaker and Wyatt have written and recorded Pedal Giant Animals, a little side project that has apparently been a few years in the works, with the help of bassist Peter Princiotto (However) and drummer Chris Mack (Illuvatar).
Given the pedigree of these musicians, it should come as no surprise that Pedal Giant Animals is one hell of a great listen. There's a little bit of everything here, from lush, symphonic prog rock numbers, to lite fusion, some quirky rock numbers, and a touch of bombast, providing plenty of variety for the listener. "Pink Sky" kicks things off in grand fashion, a nice melodic piece with a hint of HtM and early Genesis, led by Stan's emotional vocal, acoustic guitars, and Wyatt's piano and keyboards. This segues into the more aggressive and hard-hitting "Chapter Seven", a brooding rocker featuring Whitaker's snarling guitar licks and plenty of symphonic keyboards from Wyatt. "Love" is another pastoral sounding number, with Whitaker's vocals sounding very much like Peter Gabriel, and "Whole" is a lovely number sprinkled with Wyatt's gentle piano. Fans of the recent HtM album The Muse will love the jazzy fusion sounds of "Mists of Babylon", complete with plenty of roaring guitar work from Whitaker and Wyatt's squonking sax lines. The sax again comes back for an appearance on the atmospheric "The Leaf Clings...Quivers", which then leads into the lengthy and majestic piece "Turning My Head", punctuated by gorgeous piano and Whitaker's Pat Metheny-ish guitar leads. After the calming and almost new-age "Blue Sun" comes the quirky "Stumpy Shuffle", a return of a popular character from Happy the Man's past. This one speaks like vintage HtM, with lean and mean guitar licks, jazzy sax, and quirky rhythms from Mack and Princiotto. "Everything" is a gentle folk vocal number, and the 9-minute title track, with fun lyrics penned by Wyatt, again reminds of vintage HtM, and features Whitaker's melodic vocals soaring over layers of keyboards. The ending guitar solo from Stan drips with fire and technique, showing what an underrated talent he really is.
While the world waits for a follow-up to Happy the Man's The Muse, Frank Wyatt and Stan Whitaker have given us plenty to enjoy here with Pedal Giant Animals. With the CD's release date right before the holiday season, the two veterans couldn't have thought of a better present for the progressive rock faithful. Highly recommended!
Track Listing
1) Pink Sky
2) Chapter Seven
3) Love
4) Whole
5) Mists of Babylon
6) The Leaf Clings...Quivers
7) Turning My Head
8) Blue Sun
9) Stumpy Shuffle
10) Everything
11) Pedal Giant Animals
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