YES
Mirror To The Sky (InsideOutMusic)
With the death of founding member and bassist Chris Squire in 2015, many feel the true spirit of Yes died with him. Now, after the passing of drummer Alan White last year, guitarist Steve Howe is the only remaining member from the prog rock icons’ classic 1970s lineup. And on Mirror To The Sky, the second release of original material with the current touring band, Howe is also sitting in the production chair.
Despite a promising start, the nine tracks of Mirror To The Sky are just too tame. And with three songs pushing 10 minutes and another clocking in at just under 14, this is a prog album that sets high expectations but doesn’t deliver.
Howe’s production is uninspired and the performances from the extremely capable musicians lack the danger of experimentation and flair of originality that their forebears had. What is left – with original vocalist Jon Anderson being sidelined for the last 15 years – is Howe fronting a reputable tribute act. But listening to a tribute act play Yes songs that no one knows may be too great an ask for even this band’s hardcore fanbase.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
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