MIRROR TO THE SKY

A new Yes album! It is always nice to see one of your favourite bands creating new music, and since the pandemic Yes and all related bands (Arc of life, DBA, The Prog Collective) have been in a great prolific stream. So, what does this new album brings in? In summary: Jon Davison sounding better than ever, killer bass lines keeping up the spirit of Squire and a great Howe, as always. Not everything is good though, for me this album lacks consistency, with many ups and downs. Let's analyze the tracks:

1. Cut from the Stars (7.5/10) - A great way to start the album, full of energy with a superb rythm section. However, it feels a bit disjoined in places, like two songs sticked together. This happens to me with many songs composed by Sherwood.

2. All Connected (8/10) - A highlight. Very dynamic, starting slowly but gaining momentum with every time change and containing some of the best melodies of the album.

3. Luminosity (6/10) - Starts very promising combining tension and melody, but before the first minute it morphs into something much more, lets say, luminous, up to the point that it sounds like a christmas song. The tension returns lead by Howe's guitar with a nice interplay with the orchestra, but it does not develop much more.

4. Living Out Their Dream (5.5/10) - (very) classy sound here. I dont like especially the little guitar interludes scattered throughout the track.

5. Mirror to the Sky (9/10) - (Did I just hear Machine messiah part 2?) The absolute best in the album, starting on a heavy basis that transforms into an emotional piece reminding us that the classic Yes sound is still here. Jon Davison voice is magnificient, and Howes guitar floating over the violins is awesome. The second half may be a bit over long with the orchestra, but the ending is so good. One of the best epics ever composed by this band.

6. Circles of Time (4/10) - Sadly, the main album finishes with the lowest note. A nice ballad, but nothing more, like a B-side for Future memories from the previous album.

7. Unknown Place (7/10) - Actually, I prefer this to tracks 4 and 6 of the main album. This time a more classic rock sound with a very cool interplay between Howe and Downes, whom I certainly miss more in this album. The ending is great, reminds me of That, that is from Keystudio.

8. One Second Is Enough (5.5) - Nice song. Again, there are some changes that ruin it for me.

9. Magic Potion (6/10) - Another little piece mixing classic rock with a great funky bass. Enjoyable enough and a nice way to close the album.

Overall, the album deserves a 7 only for the epic track, but there are more downs than ups, which (to me) did not happen in the previous album. Three solid stars. I heard they are composing a new album already, let's hope they maintain this level at least.