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• Reviews & Spotlights
Yes: Mirror To The Sky
Prog rock legends YES have returned with a quick follow-up to The Quest with the new cosmically themed Mirror To The Sky. While this title conjures up thoughts of reflection we are going to give you our first impression on the collection with one quick listen before posting our thoughts for a true stream of consciousness reaction opinion piece.
First up, you should know all the songs are connected as is the overall message of the main album. Where the band a few years back made a collective statement that they were ready to "fly from here" in 2023 they are beginning to soar back to life in ways that many within their hardcore fanbase considered unlikely.
I was an early fan of the first Jon Davison live shows with the band. After their previous singer Benoit David burned out following a brief stint fronting YES the new Jon was a breath of fresh air in concert. But, many like myself were disappointed in his debut recording with the band and its follow-up. For some reason Davison wasn't able to put forth the same sweetness as the original singer in the studio. On Mirror To The Sky those issues seem to have been addressed and put to bed and the vocals are much more appealing at least to this set of ears.
Back to the music itself. There's a lot to love on this set especially if it is in your interest to see this modern version of YES succeed. The production is crisp and the scope is expansive. You will hear elements of all eras of the group represented throughout the six main tracks and it will become clear why the current quintet composed of Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, Jon Davison and Jay Schellen are quite optimistic about their future. They should be!
The much-discussed bonus tracks themselves sound as if they belong within the overall theme with maybe just a bit more focus on Steve Howe's fancy fretworking - but make no mistake he is a star throughout the project. In fact, all the player's lights are shining bright on this stunning and unexpected stellar statement from the godfathers of the genre.
Suffice it to say that like the Universe it looks upon Mirror To The Sky is infinitely better than the two records that preceded it from this line-up. This would be a case of 'third times the charm' and they have found a template to follow when any new YES records are considered. And if you are a fan out there who has jumped off the starship you should consider getting back on board. Things are looking up and the sky's the limit for future output from these mighty prog pioneers.
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Review by Rockin' Rich Lynch |
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