DRAMA

After the disaster that was "Tormato" both Wakeman and Anderson left the band to pursue solo careers. So naturally you would think this album would be a complete failure. Well something strange happened along the way. First of all Squire, White and Howe went into the recording studio working on songs as a trio when over came the duo known as the BUGGLES who had a big hit with "Video Killed The Radio Star". Interesting that both groups were in the same studio at that time and under the same management. Downes and Horn (BUGGLES) were huge YES fans and soon found themselves actually jamming with the band that were their heroes. It gets really strange when they are eventually asked to join the band. Horn on vocals sounds a lot like Anderson, and I must say that Downes does not disappoint at all on the keyboards, in fact he's very impressive, even playing mellotron on the first track. I just think these two guys brought a renewed energy to the band and freshness. Both Squire and Howe offer up incredible performances here.

"Machine Messiah" is surprisingly heavy when it gets going, even on the dark side. Gasp ! Howe really lights it up here. It settles 1 1/2 minutes in and vocals join in. Often when Horn is singing both Squire and Howe back him up vocally. The tempo picks up a minute later. Nice bass ! I like the instrumental section, especially before 5 minutes. It then settles with acoustic guitar, spoken words and mellotron before kicking back in around 7 minutes. It calms down with melancholic Floyd-like synths after 9 minutes and spoken words. "White Car" is a short but beautiful track.

"Does It Really Happen" opens with some killer bass before drums and a full sound arrive.This is catchy with vocals and synths leading at times. A good vocal section after 4 minutes and I love the bass late. "Into The Lens" is another catchy track, I like the uptempo section with guitar after 4 minutes.The chorus sounds a little too eighties for me though. "Run Through The Light" is another good track, I like the vocals and energy. "Tempus Fugit" opens with guitar with some prominant bass and synths to follow. It's funny but the guitar at times reminds of the style that Lifeson (RUSH) would employ in the mid-eighties.

If your into great bass playing you should own this album,but regardless, I feel it's an excellent addition and worth 4 stars.