RELAYER

what makes it so wonderful is that it shows two completely different sides of the Yes' music which are the virtuosism, the great songwriting and the astonishing musical talent together with the emotional singing, lyrics and melodies. So this record is far from cold, but also very surprising in musicianship, and it has a new, heavy sound that strikes you from the beginning of the album. Maybe Wakeman's leaving the band gave Steve some more space to show his playing skills, as the classic "duel" is no longer here. His solos are impressive, specially one similar to "Mood for a day" in style, but with the electric guitar. White's drumming is great, though I'll always prefer Bruford. Jon is singing really passionately, with great energy in the heavy parts and particular beauty in some others, like the wonderful "Soon" at the end of the 1st track. Moraz keyboards are featured for the first time here, and they have a very special style, widely different from Wakeman's, which gave this record a totally renewed sound, compared to previous releases. Chris bass is perfect as always ;)

The album consists in three tracks, the epic "Gates of delirium", that starts with no introduction (meaning like ctte's introduction) into a blast of heavy music, in the theme of war, violence, and finally peace, ending in the most powerful way possible with Soon. Next is "Sound Chaser", that starts as some kind of "futuristic jazz" (very good really) and finally "To be over", maybe similar to Soon, specially at the first part.

5 stars really, one of my favourite albums.

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