I have a love/hate relationship with Yes. I like the cap called classic period, and I love the Trevor Rabin era. I am totally confused as to what constitutes as Yes these days, as there seems to be too many variants doing the rounds. This version is part of the box set of Steven Wilson remixes and sounds incredible. You may think this is an easy album to review as there are only three tracks, but as with all things Yes, it’s a lot more complicated.
Rick Wakeman had jumped ship prior to the recording of this album, and was replaced by Patrick Moraz on the keys. Side 1 is given over to the massive The Gates Of Delirium, and everything you associate with Prog music in the 70’s is is all crammed into this one track. Odd time signatures, strange arrangements, and over indulgent playing are here in abundance, and up you can just smell the patchouli oil escaping from the speakers – this is what l love about Yes!
Side 2 is a bit more normal in the fact that we have a whole two tracks, but it’s more of the same with a most strange (almost jazz) intro to Sound Chaser. To Be Over sees the band being influenced by far Eastern instruments, and that vibe carries on for all of the track.
You either love them or hate them, and this album is no different. The mix and sound is awesome though and is a great listening experience.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
