REFUGEE

If you believe (as I do) that RELAYER is one of Yes' strongest albums, or if you have a weak spot for Patrick Moraz' bizarre concoction THE STORY OF I, I would definitely advise you to check this album out.

For about thirty years I was under the impression Refugee were nothing but a pale imitation of the Nice, until an enthusiastic review of this album on the TANGENT website encouraged me to get a copy, which soon changed my mind.

It puzzles me REFUGEE have received ecstatic reviews here, since the album does sound a little incoherent, and there are no obvious emotion-drenched highlights. But all the same, this is a fascinating collection of tunes. Using a wide range of electronic (and acoustic) keyboards, Moraz proves he's every bit the equal of Emerson, Wakeman, Banks or other caped (and non-caped) keyboard crusaders, while Jackson and Davison prove an exciting rhythm section. (N.B. Although Jackson's vocals may sound off- putting at first, after a couple of spins I actually started liking them.)

'Grand Canyon' is the obvious highlight, a piece that seems almost symphonic in scope. For the Yes-freak, there are several wild (and magnificent!) moog solos which prefigure RELAYER. And at one point, when Moraz starts tickling the ivories, it sounds exactly as if he's going to play 'The Best Years of our Lives' (off THE STORY OF I).

Not an essential buy, perhaps, but warmly recommended to all Morazians.