Happy Family – 4037 (Cuneiform Rune 4037, 2025)
After more than a decade of inactivity, Japanese progressive rock group Happy Family returns with 4037, a four-track EP released by Cuneiform Records. The title references two milestones: the label’s 40th anniversary and the band’s 37 years since formation. The release functions as both a tribute to Cuneiform and a creative reset for the band.
According to keyboardist Kenichi Morimoto, the group had entered an extended hiatus following their 2014 album Minimal Gods and subsequent European tour. A call from Cuneiform founder Steve Feigenbaum prompted the band to reunite and contribute new material in honor of the label’s anniversary. Their first rehearsal in over ten years revealed an undiminished musical chemistry, leading to the creation of four new compositions, each written by a different member.
“Pygmalion” (Takahiro Izutani) is the finest piece on the EP. It is the opener, referencing the psychological Pygmalion effect. The track has a joyful Canterbury feel. It moves from repetitive minimalist piano to full-throttle dazzling complexity.
“Hypocrisy” (Hidemi Ichikawa) is my least favorite track. The turbulent, riff-heavy piece explores themes of contrition and duplicity.
“The Flying Man” (Kenichi Morimoto) is a frenetic, persistent, avant-garde and jazz fusion piece inspired by Kobo Abe and artists like Henry Cow and Jaga Jazzist. Morimoto’s composition focuses on high-velocity interplay and shifting time signatures.
“Itchu” (Keiichi Nagase) is the other EP highlight. Built entirely from individual remote recordings, this mesmerizing piece combines Zen-inspired minimalism with layered improvisation.
Musicians: Kenichi Morimoto on keyboards; Takahiro Izutani on guitar; Hidemi Ichikawa on bass; and Keiichi Nagase on drums.
Recorded by Naoki Hayami at Orpheus Studio, Tokyo, Japan.
Mixed by Takahiro Izutani.
Mastered by Soichiro Nakamura.