RELAYER

The first thing you will notice about this album is that Rick Wakeman has been replaced by Patrick Moraz of "The Moody Blues" The first track, the epic "Gates Of Delerium" starts off with some tinkly keyboard playing, along with Steve howe playing some nice guitar harmonics. After a while of this, Jon Anderson enters the fray with the lyrics "Na na, na na, na na na na" which gives me a chickens skin at the beauty of its sound. the subject matter is about standing, fighting and considering, which slips seamlessly into somebody pounding out the devils sermon. The track then goes into a heavy jazzy section, with parts of it being a little King crimson" like, and others playing around with weird sounds and noises, akin to some of the heavier stuff of frank zappa. If my ears are not decieving me, i can also detect a wee bit of "Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen" influence there too. The end of the track is simply beautiful and makes me cry bitterly and for many hours every time i hear it. "Sound Chaser" sees more manic jazz from those Yes lads, with all the boys on top form. Jon Andersons vocals are harder on this one, and reminds me of a prototype John lydon. The final track "To Be Over" is a bit too chinese sounding for my liking, although it has some nice guitar lines from Steve Hackett, and some pleasant vocal sections, along with some soothing instrumentation from the rest of the Yessers. All in all this album is a great one by the Yes, and if you like more complicated prog and "Bob Dylan" you will love this slice of tasty Yes cake.

Cheers Chit