For the uninitiated or the mathematically challenged, the tangent is the line that touches a circle at a single point. In more basic terms, the tangent is the line that lies at the edge of a circle. The Tangent has indeed chosen its name well, as its compositions lie on the border of many styles: rock, jazz of all periods, popular music, progressive rock, classical music and pop. And this impression is accentuated by the discreet but always appropriate use of instruments such as the flute, the saxophone or even the trumpet.
Despite this, The Tangent's music is accessible from the very first listen. This shows that it is possible to make very good music without forcing music lovers to torture their ears for hours before they finally understand. And that's not surprising when you consider the pedigree of the participants in this adventure, with three members of the Flower Kings on guitar, bass and drums, a former Van Der Graaf Generator and musicians from Parallel. Excellent musicians, therefore, strongly inspired, and offering the best rhythm section of the time, not by its technical prowess but by its coherence.
But what makes the richness of this album, are its multiple discreet incursions into jazz while avoiding the too experimental aspects which can put off. We have here a perfect example of a fusion of styles that is totally mastered. It should be noted, however, that the orientation is more in the spirit of the compositions of the early Flower Kings than of Van Der Graaf Generator. Peter Hammill fans, this album will certainly satisfy you but don't expect a new "Pawn Hearts".
"The Music That Died Alone" is a real breath of fresh air in the contemporary progressive music world! By its originality, its quality and its professionalism, The Tangent is one of those side projects that live up to the expectations it generated when it was announced.