OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW

As You probably know Jon Anderson of Yes came out with his solo proposition "Olias of the sunhillow" as part of the five solo albums by all Yes members recorded after the Relayer album. He went totaly ambitious playing all the instruments and, of course, singing all the parts. The result is otherworldy. It took me a while to distinguish all the parts of the music as many of them operates on higher pitches plus many songs are interconnected which makes it not immediately accessible, but the learnig curve was totaly worth it. Breaking point was for me the third listen, when I deceided to hear it with the lyrics in my hand. The higher pitches (once tamed) make the sound sparkling and unique, the vocal melodies are as irreproachable as ever. Instrumental parts are not as complicated as in Yes, but the layers are rather dense and the mood is the main star here. Very cohesive and engaging album. 4,5-5stars rounded up to 5. Impressive! The vinyl gatefold booklet is a work of art too<3