Yes – Relayer (Vinyl) Original Japanese Pressing
Atlantic Records (1974)

1 review for Yes – Relayer (Vinyl) Original Japanese Pressing
Atlantic Records (1974)

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Geoff – April 28, 2017

   Phenomenal, adventurous, multi-textured masterpiece! 'Relayer' was the first album that Yes made after keyboardist Rick Wakeman quit in 1974 due to disagreements over the epic 'Tales From Topographic Oceans'. His replacement, Patrick Moraz, plays stupendously and it is a shame that this was to be the only studio Yes album on which he performed. It contains what is arguably their best work, "The Gates of Delirium" which is a phenomenal, adventurous and multi-textured masterpiece, clocking in at over 21 minutes. The performance by the quintet is impeccable and the rousing 'battle' sequence midway through is particularly powerful. This segues into the beautiful "Soon" denouement, on which Jon Anderson sings like an angel. Side 2 begins with the staggering "Sound Chaser", featuring some of Chris Squire and Alan White's finest rhythm section work. As if that wasn't enough, Steve Howe adds an amazing, angular lead guitar break like no other. When Yes toured for 'Relayer', they would open with 'Sound Chaser' and the collective noise of jaws dropping in the audience would, at times, almost drown out the band! The third and final number, "To Be Over", is a most melodic and refined piece which Mr. Howe rates as his favourite Yessong. It has the same symphonic qualities of “And You And I” (from 'Close to the Edge' album). All in all, 'Relayer' is easily one of the most essential of Yes' recordings and the listener will further warm to it upon every successive listen.