FRAGILE

Another line up change. Tony Kaye was replaced by Rick Wakeman and the most classic line up of the band was formed:Anderson, Howe, Wakeman, Squire, Bruford. Still, I think the previous effort was better. Rounmdabout 5 After an acoustic intro, the song gets faster and rocking (great rhytm section). Newbie Rick Wakeman also shows his skills as he plays a few marvelous and flashy passages. The song becomes a bit darker then with heavy riffs from Howe, which are followed soon by the acoustic part and then the rocking one again, where both Wakeman and Howe get some first class solos. Cans and Brahms 2 Wakeman´s solo number. Cute classicaly kinspired track, but it is still just filler. Yes we have heaven 1 A reprtitive short number with Anderson´s vocals dominating. Another filler, worse than the previous one. South side of the sky 5 A fine track, with Howe´s guitarplaying at the forefront. He plays a marvelous riff and some blazing runs, while the rhytmic (Squire and Bruford) play as marvelous as usually.. A slover, lyrical part comes with Wakeman´s solo on the piano: After some time Anderson and the rhytm section join in (perfect work by Bruford), after which the heavy part comes, with a fine solo by Howe. (even if too short). Five per cent for nothing 1 Another piece of filler (sounds a lot like Genesis on some of their heavier numbers). Long distance runaround 3.5 The motif played in unison by Wakeman and Howe is gorgeous, but overal the number is just average with not that good vocal melody. The fish (schindleria preamaturus) 1.5 The famous solo piece, after which Chris Squire got his nick. Nice, but repetitve, with only one motif and a bit of singing. Mood for a day 3 Once again Stewe Howe shows how dextrous he is on an acoustic guitar. Some of the parts are breathtaking and the number has a pleasant latino feel to it. Heart of the sunrise 5 I would call this track hard rock prog at times, as the opening features a ferocious heavy guitar attack. After that Chris Squire gets space to show off his gorgeous bass playing together with Brufford´s drumming, and Hackett joins in again with all those heavy riffs. A calmer passage follows, with a great vocal part from Anderson and subtle playing by Wakeman and the passages and moods exchange again.

Overal:27:9=3 STARS

GOOD, BUT NON-ESSENTIAL