GARDEN SHED

I was introduced to this band when listening to a progressive rock radio and suddenly hearing the best clone of Yes which was not a rip-off and had own music ideas. All band members but the keyboard player sound very similar to classic Yes with Bruford minus instrumental extravaganza, classical influence and raw sound of the 1971-2. This record is more polished, elegant and equally sophisticated. It also contains more synths than the 1972 Yes, naturally. The drummer manages to incorporate a few elements of the King Crimson Bruford, too, on the "Poisoned Youth". The overusage of the snare drum is evident but it makes the sound even more polished. Even the vocal sounds like a mix of Squire and Anderson. Harmonies are pretty solid.

I think that most representative song is the first one - "Midnight madness" because it presents various moods and speeds. "Paraffinalea" has a nice busy rhythm but not a great flow. "Three piece suite" is symphonic, reflective and all Yes ingredients you can imagine, proving that the band could carry on their own without being accused of plagiatorism. "Poisoned youth" is arguably the most epic piece, also pompous. Bonus tracks are worth acquiring.