TORMATO

I've been a big Yes fan for over 30 years, so decided on an album that makes me crazy for my first review. For me Tormato is one of those albums that should have been left in the studio. The almost classic line up (Anderson, Howe, Squire, Wakeman, and White) put in a lifeless, passionless effort here. There are a few moments of good material, but I find most of it boring or unlistenable. 1-Future Times/Rejoice-Wakeman's high-pitched keys are very distracting and the song sounds like poor left overs from Topographic Oceans. 2-Don't Kill the Whale-great message and okay song, attempt at a short form, radio playable hit. 3-Madrigal-nice melody at times, but overall a nondescript piece that is forgettable. 4-Release, Release- The intro is a tease of something good to come, has some interesting guitar work, but it doesn't deliver. As soon as the verse comes in we get Steve Howe playing 3 chord 50's/60's era rock riffs. Please, that's not what I want from a yes album. 5 and 6-Arriving UFO and Circus of Heaven-perhaps 2 of the worst Yes songs ever from this line up. I find both unlistenable and very annoying. 7-Onward-a beautiful melody and a song that has some emotion. One of the bright spots on this album. 8-The Silent Wings of Freedom-Best track by far. Good playing, interesting music, and a strong finish to what was a poor album.

It is unfortunate, at least for me, that this followed the rather strong and enjoyable Going for the One. When this line up stayed together after that album I had hoped for an interesting and exciting project, but got a rotten tomato instead.