FISH OUT OF WATER

The fish bites back. Like it or not, pretty much every prog fan will agree that this album is legendary, made it to a real classic during recent decades. Now that Chris Squire isn't with us anymore may have provided the impetus to re-master the original tapes once again. Anyway, it was his long held wish that a 5.1 surround mix of the work would be undertaken someday. Hence the new limited edition released on CherryRed/Esoteric in 2018 made me curious, sure. Available as a double compact disc edition or an enhanced version including other formats like vinyl, DVD, singles and a 36 page book. And indeed, the sound is fantastic without question.

Covering the music you will immediately recognize where his homebase was. The band went on a hiatus in 1975, other members were concentrated on their solo works too. The album was essentially a collaboration with his friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, also member of The Syn, Squire's pre-Yes group. And the sessions also saw contributions from Bill Bruford, Patrick Moraz and noted musicians like Mel Collins and Jimmy Hastings. Regarding the vocals he is close to Jon Anderson here and there. And so some may place the question for what reason Squire will record a somewhat new YES album, instead of something essentially different.

First of all, who cares more than 40 years later in light of a successful result? And then, this album is differing actually. As noted beforehand, one can hear where he's coming from. But also, the album is more symphonic, more pathetic, you will learn to like some saxophone within, and the great variety when it comes to the bass playing, the electric guitar takes a backseat aso. Additionally two tracks are offered from a session with Alan White, sounds like Asia, not a benefit necessarily. Still today the core songs are striking, with Silently Falling the album reaches for working temperature. Excellent compositions are following, worth a listen. If not already, another candidate for your well sorted prog collection.