THE QUEST

New Yes is irrisistible so I had to immerse myself in The Quest . The album cover is beautiful Roger Dean mastery. It starts off with a familiar keyboard phrase I've heard from an old 80s TV compilation of UFO called 'Invasion UFO' so being familiar with this I was perplexed as to why they took this melody and turned it into a song. However the song itself is endearing with amazing keyboards and guitar trade-offs and some killer riffs. The Ice Bridge grows on you and opens the album with a treasure and there's an awesome film clip on youtube yesofficial channel. 

Dare to know follows with beautiful orchestration accompanied by the wistful lyrics reflecting on changes and the band know all about that. Chris Squire is now gone but Yes continues with the wonderful Billy Sherwood filling big shoes admirably. Overall this is a very nice track with Squires fingerprints all over it.

Minus the Man  could be a tribute to the loss of Squire. Notably the guitar process of Howe is absolutely wonderful. The Melancholy sound is counterbalanced by a frenetic string section in the orchestra. No, it's not the strongest song on the album but I love the orchestral flourishes.

Leave well alone is another very compelling track that holds my attention. It starts with a sprinkling of piano tinkles and then a steady rhythm glazed with guitar riffs and '80s style synths.  Primarily a folk song with odd lyrics as we venture down into the abyss.  It changes signature midway through and has some tasty guitar licks and harmonies. So again not a masterpiece but very listenable Yes as they move into a new direction. The 8 minute running time is brimming over with innovative ideas and musical detours. Again Howe just shines on the amazing outro.

The Western Edge is orchestrated with sweeping synths and symphonic embellishments. Another highlight on the album.

Future memories is a tribute to Rodger Dean in the official video on the yesofficial channel on YT. This is worth watching as it  augments the song so admirably. It is another gentle melancholy song sung well by John Davidson who wrote it. The sublime song has such a beauty it haunts you.

Track 7 is Music to my ears with a lilting piano motif and choir synths. The vocals of Sherwood and Davison are in fine form. The melody is upbeat and catchy and it's a gentle piece with a commercial sound.

A living Island concludes cd1 full of emotion and clearly shows a softer side to Yes. Davison sings with passion and it's a pleasure to hear such an upbeat song to close the album. Again the video on YouTube enhances  the enjoyment of the track. I recommend you find the channel to watch the new songs as so much effort has been put into augment the listening experience with Roger Dean's outstanding artwork on display. Invariably, the Dean landscapes accompany the soundscapes with a degree of emotional nuance.

The bonus CD is only 13 minutes long so is a bit disappointing but the songs are still worth a listen beginning with the pop sounds of Sister sleeping soul which is not too bad but the weakest track so far on the album.  The next track is Mystery Tour not The Beatles, not as magical, but it is about the Beatles as the lyrics are utilising Beatles titled tracks to this song's throughout which may be clever or ridiculous. I enjoyed it but it had a Weird Al vibe rather than a serious tribute to the fab four. The song  is mercifully short but funny to be honest. Damaged world concludes the latest Yes with delicious 80s synths and update melodies. Sherwood takes centre stage on vocals. So the full album is just an hour so why did we need 2 CDs?

Overall, it's great to hear Yes enjoying themselves and playing well and there are at least four treasures on here you can locate especially the first two tracks which are absolutely wonderful. Therefore The Quest is worth venturing  into but don't expect it to measure up to the classic Yes years.