ANDERSON BRUFORD WAKEMAN HOWE

In fact ABWH were by far the better Yes at that time. They succeeded fairly in translating the organic seventies sound into a full blown orchestral sound using the latest technology. Song craft is particularly good on the first half of the album. "Themes" is an exciting showcase of dexterity. "Fist of Fire" displays wonderful percussive strokes by Bruford and Anderson's unique vocal style. "Brother of Mine" shines with its positive energy and elaborate playing. The most interesting part however is the lyrically breathtaking "Birthright". Wakeman stretches out wonderfully here, and Bruford and Levin take up etnic rhythms. Unfortunately, "Teakbois" sounds like an unwilling reggae pastiche and "Order of the Universe", though stunning in its own field, is too much on the (hard) rock side. Anyhow, for an eighties piece of progressive music, it's good enough to reconsider.