KEYS TO ASCENSION

Finally, after 16 years of pure, unadulterated nonsense, Yes releases something truly worthwhile for the progressive rock world. Keys to Ascension is a 2-CD set which contains seven tracks recorded live during their reunion tour of the classic lineup of Anderson, Howe, Squire, Wakeman, and White. It also contains two newly recorded studio tracks timing in at 9:50 and 19:14 respectively. The live tracks are amazing and in my opinion the best produced live material the band has ever released, including the material from Yessongs. After all, recording machinery has come a long way since the 1970s. Truly a stunning return for a group many thought was dead after their 1994 release of Talk.

The studio material is incredibly better than anything the group had done since Drama (or maybe even Relayer). Instead of writing material for the radio like they had done for the previous four albums, they put together two lovely pieces of artwork. Both songs are refreshing and it is quite evident that none of them have lost their musical talent and skill. An important contribution to symphonic progressive rock and another five-star masterpiece. Don't forget to get the companion Keys to Ascension 2. It is just as worthwhile.