RITES AT DAWN

Wobbler's 3rd album turns out to be a divisive one. They've always been a retro act, which I don't mind actually, but in an attempt to be more Yes then Yes the band let go of their earlier King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Genesis influences. Also that 'Scandinavian' feel got missing somewhere. Unfortunately, these multiple elements were exactly what made their previous albums into such an interesting cocktail.

The main weakness on the previous works were the vocals. Wobbler used to keep them to a minimum but this time they obviously wanted to put more lyrical content in so they attracted a new vocalist; one that immediately brings Yes too mind, especially that magnificent bass player with the voice that I don't like that much, mr Chris Squire. Well, unlike Squire, Wobbler's guy can keep a tone (in the studio at least), but I don't find the vocals very attractive. Too derivative, in tone as well as melodies and harmonies.

Conclusion, despite not really caring for the whole retro issue, trying to mimic just one particular example is not stimulating for one's creativity and this album proves that again. The band voluntarily got their own hands tied by their formulaic approach, and even if the music may be composed and played with skill, there's no soul or personality in here. Still, i think this is better then Yes themselves these days so this should be a satisfying release for dedicated Yes fans. But it's not a Wobbler I'll be playing a lot.