TOWARD THE SUN

Of course this music is not very original. OK, it sounds as a "Yes" rip-off. BUT "Druid" is far much better in this style than "Starcastle". Their music is bombastic, poignant and emotonal as the one of the masters. These very high-pitched vocals are fine with me. When I listen to a song like "Voices", I am just submerged with pleasure. Even if it is a lot "Yes" oriented but when played with such brio, I can only like it and be positive about it.

It is true to say that the band lacks in personality but the music proposed is far from being worthless. When I want to listen some MORE "Yes" oriented music, I get a little bit of "TFK" ones. And after these, maybe that some "Druid" songs aren't a bad idea. You won't get the complexity, the sophistication of the genuine masters (but "Druid" does not play in the same division). Only a shadow music which reminds me great moments. One of the most personal number is the intrumental "Theme". Jazzy, aerial and powerful.

All songs are a voyage into Yes" repertoire, that's a given fact. But musicianship is very good (especially vocals). "Towards The Sun" has a definite flavour of "Tales" ("The Remembering") but you can play the same game with several tracks from this album. The highlight is "Dawn Of Evening" and the closing "Shangri-La" is well balanced as well.

In those remote days of this release, I had never heard of "Druid". I guess that there were no needs for this. I was more than happy to play endlessly genuine YesMusic. But since 2003, I am looking for more input and even if this album can't compete with any TRUE YesAlbum, it is a pleasant work and if nostalgia is part of you, you might be as indulgent as I am. Three stars.