2024. Frontiers Records
The legendary former frontman of Yes Jon Anderson, released his new solo album after four years of recording silence, together with a group that recreates the sound of his mother band and makes him return to his deepest roots as a musician and composer. The Band Geeks is led by Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult) and are responsible for materializing Yes’s characteristic sound. They do an impeccable job combining classic and modern progressive rock, starting with ‘True Messenger’, a song of virtuoso execution with suggestive strums in the style of Steve Howe and fast keyboards while Anderson sings a lyric of spiritual content: “You are all, “You are me/You are everyone, you are free.”
The instrumentalization of ‘Counties And Countries’ is reminiscent of glorious songs like ‘The Gates Of Delirium’ or ‘Awaken’. In between, there are dizzying electric guitar riffs and synths that emulate Rick Wakeman’s prime. It is one of the high points. The Englishman demonstrates enormous vocal performance at 79 years of age. He has taken care of his voice like a temple and it shows. This has allowed him to accommodate the energetic arrangements of his peers as on the prog-pop ‘Shine On’ – a nod to ‘90125’s ‘Hold On’? – which includes a subtly ‘Roundabout’-inspired bass line. Both compete as equals in a technical and stimulating race.
Optimism, which is the propensity of much of the album, is evident in ‘Build Me An Ocean’ which suggests hope and a good future: “Together we will build the empire of future dreams/ And know that deep down/ All the answers They will arrive.” The ballad is built on the fly while the instruments flow in constant complement, until dissipating into an acoustic guitar solo. Likewise, ‘Still a Friend’ is a heartfelt celebration of friendship supported by syncopated rhythms and epic guitar phrases.
The band slows down on ‘Make It Right’ and ‘Realization Part Two’. Certainly, they are standard compositions that, although they have excellent production, falter and are not up to par with the other songs on the album. A small stain that rebounds with ‘Once Upon a Dream’, a 16-minute epic piece that, at least in its structure, is an acceptable attempt to evoke historical albums like “Close to the Edge” (1972) or “Relayer” ( 1974). And in an elevated and sensitive atmosphere, the album ends with an emotional marital dedication: ‘Thank God’.
A vigorous and rewarding work that does justice to a legendary group like Yes, which today seems unrecognizable in the hands of Steve Howe, the only classic member. However, sometimes it is necessary to revisit that essence either to remember old times or replicate formulas that served for success. Jon Anderson opted for both and did so outstandingly, demonstrating an enduring voice, kind lyrics, and a remarkable band to back him up.
José Tomás Pozo N.
Tags
#Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
#Jon Anderson
#True
#Richie Castellano
