DRAMA

With Geoff Downes on keyboards and Steve Howe on guitars, one may think this record of the early 80's must sound like the early ASIA albums. Actually, not very much, partly because of the presence of other musicians: Chris Squire on bass & vocals, Alan White on drums and Trevorn horn on vocals. Actually, the tracks are much more progressive than the ones on the ASIA albums. Plus, Downes' keyboards are quite more melodic & rythmic and less floating than his parts made with Asia. Plus, Squire's bass is much more complex and elaborated than Wetton with Asia. The absence of Jon Anderson here is not a negative point, because Squire and Horn produce EXCELLENT lead & backing vocals. After the little convincing "Tormato", it was the time for a change to be made: Wakeman and Anderson's departure allowed to give a completely different sound to Yes, more progressive, and usually it is appreciated in the prog community. The tender & sentimental "Man in a White Car" track is very cute, rather having a symphonic New Age style, your girlfriend should like it! The epic & progressive "Machine Messiah" is very impressive too with its miscellaneous themes involved. Actually all the tracks are at least very good.

My raing: 4.5/5