Detailed Reviews [The Mighty Handful - 2014 - "Still Sitting in Danny's Car". Part 1 ("Once Upon a Lifetime"). Part 2 ("The Beacon")]

Prolusion. UK band THE MIGHTY HANDFUL has been around for a decade or thereabouts, and for many years they explored their concept "Still Sitting in Danny's Car", resulting in 5 albums and EPs before the story was finalized. Since then a further studio album has been released by the band. "Still Sitting in Danny's Car. Parts 1 and 2" compiles the first two EPs from their 5 part conceptual saga, and was self released in 2014.

Analysis. The Mighty Handful describes themselves in a number of slightly different manners, but progressive rock is probably where their slightly off kilter brand of music has the best fit. The compositions and album experiences are dynamic, there's a concept explored, and they aren't alien to tempo changes and slightly odd developments either when it comes to that. Their brand of progressive rock is one that is easy to fathom and accessible, and should pique the interest of listeners also beyond the progressive rock sphere. Various combinations of piano and guitar are key elements throughout this production, and the interaction between those instruments is something of a foundation throughout. Swirling and soaring keyboards and the good, old organ are used extensively in support, while the rhythm section is a solid one. To the point that bassist Halley actually gets a small solo spot at one point here, a feature not all that usual to find on a studio production. Musically we move between the landscapes of accessible progressive rock and classic rock, with possibly a direct 70's reference needed somewhere in that context. Some synth and keyboard driven creations do appear, a token one off affair with a slight touch of Americana to it and one song with a more typical chant-oriented pub rock feel to it as well. Subtle and not so subtle deviations from the norm, and some of them needed for story purposes. On several occasions we get parts, sequences or songs that appear to have the story in focus to a greater extent than the music itself. With spoken word narration and some dramatic effects the main elements here, as well as a general dramatization. To the extent that at times this album feels a bit like a soundtrack to a book or a graphic novel rather than a concept album. Which obviously isn't uncommon for productions of this type, but it still merits a mention. Everything is really well put together though, and as an album experience this is a good one. Those with a strong fascination for going deeper into the concept explored will find both depth and a few unusual framework options employed, and the concept itself is rather unique also in a progressive rock context. There's creativity at hand here that certainly merits an applause.

Conclusion. These first two chapters of "Still Sitting in Danny's Car" strikes me as really well made constructions from a thematic as well as musical point of view. My impression is that fans of 70's rock as well as accessible and often playful progressive rock will get a lot out of this album, as well as the original EPs that have been assembled in this compilation. A solid production.

Progmessor: July 2021
The Rating Room