RELAYER

Yes had to make quite an effort to keep up with their previous albums, especially having released Fragile and Close to the Edge in 1972, and their double album Tales From Topographical Oceans in 1973. Even in comparason with those albums, their 1974 effort, Relayer, certainly doesn't disapoint. The album starts out with their most accesable epic "Gates of Delirium". The almost 23 minute powerhouse of a song depicts a war. The beginning tells how they are preparing for the war, the wild instrumental in the middle of the song represents the war, and the closer leaves us with hope and an upbeat message even after the war is over. Gates of Delirium is definately much easier for a newer Yes fan to get into than Close to the Edge, which, though musically flawless, can be a strain on newer fans and leave them feeling alienated. The album continues with "Sound Chaser", featuring absolutely brilliant guitar work by Steve Howe. Though frantic and overwhelming at times, it starts to speed down towards the end, making the last song, "To Be Over", wrap up the album perfectly, with wonderful singing by Jon Anderson. All the songs mesh together perfectly, and it makes for a wonderful music experience, recommended for any new-comer or long time fan.