NOT THE FUTURE I ORDERED

FIND THE INTRUDER.

This US band is yet another ''Yes'' clone (this country has produced many). I tend to be less indulgent with this type of work than some five years ago but let's see...

This album is almost nothing else than a tribute to this great band (well, except the intruder of course). The album opens on a high note to be honest: ''Wide Awake And Dreaming'' is a very pleasant YesSong: you'll get it all here! Some acoustic guitar intro, Wakeman keys, speedy electric guitar, Jon Anderson on vocals of course, a complex structure i tutti quanti.

If the whole album is made on the same mould, I have to say that we could have had a fine work to discuss about.

The harder title track, seriously leans on ELP for the intro up to the moment during which Jon comes back on the lead. Hectic beat, fine musicianship (I quite like their drummer here) and above average song writing for this type of band.

''Rome'' is a different story: it is a romantic ballad like the original model has produced a few. But don't expect a jewel melody a la ''Wonderous Stories''. This song builds up nicely into some bombastic extravaganza of keys and guitar, but the closing is definitely a parody. Still, not too bad so far.

As far as I'm concerned, from ''Walking On Air'' onwards, the album has no further value. Short and straight-forward pop songs with a YesColour and that's it. From average (at best) to poor. Even the closing track '' Flintridge'' which returns to a longer format is not able to capture my attention.

Now, a few words about the intruder. ''Immigrant Song'' is also featured on this album. Robert & Jon on the same album! What a miracle. Even if the singer in charge of those two roles (Anderson & Plant) is not doing a bad job, it is sufficient to say that these two different styles (which I like both that's not the problem) doesn't fit very well while they are sitting side by side.

Two stars.

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Posted Monday, December 1, 2008 | Review this album | Report (Review #191303)

Imagine for a moment Yes invites Keith Emerson of ELP over for a song or two. Word gets out of a name-rock group recording in the works so Genesis, that's in the Steve Hackett era mind you, shows up. Steve Howe agrees nervously. Jon Anderson gets the idea to invite Supertramp for some vocals - ... (read more)

Report this review (#2582359) | Posted by JazzFusionGuy | Friday, July 30, 2021 | Review Permanlink

I think the dichotomy in ratings rather sums up how this band will inevitably divide listeners. If you approach the CD with a positive attitude towards a band that is very heavily influenced by classic progressive bands - and Yes in particular - the chances are you'll thoroughly enjoy the experi ... (read more)

Report this review (#196764) | Posted by barp | Thursday, January 1, 2009 | Review Permanlink

Awesome mixture of 70's and 80's style YES, mixed with some minor prog metal influences. All the songs are very mellow and the vocals are very soothing and well done (a very jon anderson styled approach), and the bass grooves remind me of Geddy Lee. It's a good mixture of influences making it s ... (read more)

Report this review (#63170) | Posted by WindKun | Wednesday, January 4, 2006 | Review Permanlink

I think it is very unfair to knock them so harshly just because of the obvious intentional similarities to Yes or ELP etc. As an album it may be a bit uneven with not every track hitting a grand slam but it is worth the price of admission for the song 'Rome' alone. The other standout cut is th ... (read more)

Report this review (#40809) | Posted by thepods | Friday, July 29, 2005 | Review Permanlink

Very mediocre 80's Yes-like progish hard rock band - with touches of prog metal and prog pop as well. The singer sounds very much like Jon Anderson with the keyboardist having a bit of an Emerson feel. The songs are written and played well though. This is kind of an average copy band. There ar ... (read more)

Report this review (#37950) | Posted by eugene | Tuesday, June 28, 2005 | Review Permanlink

Great 80's Yes-like hard prog from these Americans - with touches of prog metal and prog pop done very well. The singer and guitarist sound very much like Jon Anderson/Geddy Lee and Steve Howe respectively with the keyboardist having a bit of an Emerson/Wakeman feel. The songs are well written ... (read more)

Report this review (#37935) | Posted by dalt99 | Tuesday, June 28, 2005 | Review Permanlink

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