COR CORDIUM

When I heard 'So here I am once more ...' at the first time from Marillion's debut album I did not refer the newly established band was a Genesis clone. The point was that Fish voice was not the same as Peter Gabriel and the music was not as Genesis. But when I heard this Glass Hammer's 'Cor Cordium' I thought it as Yes because the music and vocal timbre of Jon Davison is quite similar than Jon Anderson. But it did not stop me to play the album and it really grew on me as the more Iplay the more I enjoy the music.

Musically, Cor Cordium is quite simpler than classic Yes albums but the overall composition is really nice. One peculiar thing that I can observe at first spin is the guitar playing style that is different from Steve Howe. As I play the music quite often, I realize that I like this album and in some points I do not really care whether or not this album is like Yes replica. Even so, the band's is not boring. On composition, I can see the band has laid out very strong foundation in tag melody in every song they create. This proves that the album comprises tracks that are song-orientated. The harmonies produced bay all instruments as well as vocal line. In some segments they take the composition at the peak. There are changes in mood as well as tempo even though there are no abrupt changes. Well, I think this is the music direction and style that the band is willing to take and I respect it. The complexities are there as well. In some segments, there are complex arrangements even though overall they are not as complex as Yes.

The opener 'Nothing Box' (10:53) is a killer for me personally as it successfully blends excellent melody, musical and vocal harmonies, as well as captivating changes in moods and tempo. I can sense this track is really Yes-like but I do not mind with it. In fact, it gives me enrichment as the latest album by Yes 'Fly From Here' is even much more simples as well as quite loose in composition. I like the way Jon sings as the song progresses. He seems really enjoying himself taking the vocal department here. Keyboards and guitar are keys in this song - they form great combination throughout the song.

'One Heart' (6:20) starts off nicely with piano / keyboard work followed with stunning guitar solo just before vocal line enters the music. The music moves nicely in relatively slow mood with Jon Anderson like singing. The next track 'Salvation Station' (5:08) is basically a combined work of acoustic guitar and vocal in energetic style. 'Dear Daddy' (10:30) indicates Jon Davison's contribution to the band with his his personal message about his father. It's good lyrically. The music is quite simple and very close to ballad style.

'To Someone' (18:15) is the longest duration in the album starting with a vocal line followed with long sustain keyboard / synthesizer work. The music flows nicely in prog symphonic style with keyboard as main rhythm section while guitar solo takes the lead. There are very good guitar licks performed during the transition piece combined wonderfully with piano work. The mellotron-like sounds make the song look like the 70's prog music. There great breaks before the vocal enter the music. Well, I really enjoy the piano work as well as guitar. Oh by the way, the bass lines are also great, not only through this track - it happens with the previous ones. The concluding track 'She, A Lonely Tower' (10:57) is also an excellent one. In fact, I really enjoy the last track - it's beautifully composed by the band.

Overall, this is an exceent addition to any prog music collection. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Can't wait to see Jon Davison sings at YES concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, 24 April 2012!