RELAYER

Rick Wakeman gone solo and left behind ?but he'll be back? as well as his epic monumental style, but yet not lost. With this record, Yes shows off that the band is much more than just a person. Yes is a tour de force, and here they prove it.

Immediately strings and keyboards break the silence and starts the long way through a marvel epic opening via "The Gates of Delirium", first soft and kind of dissonant, the path is taking form once every instrument has being showed up, lead to another vocal opening power elation. As soon as the path is taken, the journey turns jovial, acid and energetic. The guitar here is much more powerful and vibrant than any Yes previous work. Some hints from 'Topographics?' are still rooming from time to time. The bass nurses rear and defends from the dangers of the road accelerating the pace. Here all the rhythm moves forward and climbs toward emotional peaks of a rock adventure, tracing new sonorous roads whereas any other rocker at the time risked. There's a clear fusion of styles merging into a vortex of dynamism, a little of hard rock, some jazz and the science fictions movements in Howe's guitar reach the climax bursting in acid and all the fierce exploiting in a single point made evident on White's decaying drums. The war is fading, fighting the last exertions of a bare living monster. But then the war cries and swords are down for silence, it vibes over Moraz's keyboards and Howe's squealing strings so 'Soon' emerges as a hope beyond the horrors and the lost. Tears of joy follow this final part of the song and all the greatness of the band shines while fading.

"Chaser Sound" is the most experimental and saturated work here, maybe in their entire discography. Blended between some funk with jazz and prog, all the exuberance retained burst out without hesitation. There's a little calm section, but everything quickly refrains over the maniac mood speeding towards an explosive burst. Such a fierce and motivational piece.

Finally "To be Over" turns the page into the melodic and smooth side of the band. The tune embraces melancholy, sailing with encouraging lyrics into a stream of calm and joy. At the middle section there's a little struggle emotionally full of joy and elation. Not long ahead the tune breaks over feelings like a tender restful hug in the soul.

That said about the music, the cover art is an amazing work ―as usual― by Roger Dean. Is one of the most epic and overpowering covers in rock history. All this said, in spite of anyone's musical preferences, this record is marvel that stands all by itself and still stands overtime.