*. YES .* (SACD Remaster 2013)

Album: Relayer (1974)(SACD Remaster 2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  UK

CD 7 - High Vibration: SACD Box (Japanese Box Set 2013)

I'm not so secure if is truth which Vangelis has been probed to fill the keyboard place in the absence of Rick Wakeman, just as a friend told me, but I can say is - probably the final result not had been so impressive ! In my point of view Patrick Moraz (and his jazzy, erudite and more aggressive style) was more fitting to replace Wakeman than the Vangelis's new age and electronic sound. Another point that call attention is the Howe's choice of Fender Telecaster for all tracks, which makes the sonority more "glaring" than the "velvety" Gibson timbre. In resume : Relayer, is a album full of peculiarities, if comparable with other YES works. The first track "The Gates of Delirium" is simply magistral and embody in his several passages countless detachable points: counterpoints between guitar and keyboards, drum's broken beats, distorted bass guitar, and a unexpected conclusion in a "soft" passage more well-know as "Soon" , where the highlights comes through the Anderson's vocals and Howe's pedal-steel guitar. The secound track "Sound Chaser" is a exercise for the musicians and the listeners with almost the same complexity for the previous track, excepting in their conclusion. The most notable in this track is the "unison" duet scale between bass/guitar and the White's performance. The last track " To Be Over" is one of most beautifull and creatives forms of progressive ballads. However, I wish to emphasize the notable arrangements from Moraz for the keyboards, because, in spite his very different musical style, he not "deforms" the music of YES. Review by "maryes" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9.5 / 10

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