BEWARE OF DARKNESS

If you are interested in some harder Yes music, this album is worth watching out. Actually, there are no major changes or improvements for their second album. Whose title is taken from an old Harrison song (from "All Things Must Pass" in 1970).

The song is nicely revisited, you know in the style of "America" from whom you might have heard.There is even a Gentle Giant sort of song with "Thoughts". To bring some diversity, I guess.

"The Doorway" holds all the clichés of a YesSong performed by some alien band. These acoustic guitar sounds are so borrowed, almost plagiarism. It is not a weak song because it holds some fine musical breaks but this type of music has been heard before. Competition peaked in those days between TFK and the Beard.

If you would need a confirmation, the short and acoustic "Chatauqua" is just confirming that Steve Howe is not forgotten in the "Beware Of Darkness". But almost each track refers to the original and genuine giant. When you will listen to "Walking on the Wind", it is impossible not to connect the bass work with Chris's one. The loop has been looped, once again.

This album is still a decent experience for YesFans who would like to listen to some YesMusic not played by "Yes". Do you follow me?

After the heavy and very much dispensible "Waste Away", the album closes on an sixteen minutes epic: "Time Has Come". Great intro for about two minutes, until the groovy vocals enter the scene. The heavy/bluesy mood is rather dull and is quite a contrast. Actually, there is little to retain from this song. Some vocal parts is referring to GG again and brings some variety in this ocean of YesStuff. Add some Beatles flabour to be complete.

A good album if you aren't too concerned about listening to derivative music. Three stars.