IN THE CAN

Flash under the leadership of erstwhile Yes guitarist Peter Banks were always going to suffer comparisons with Jon Anderson and his latest line-up of merry men, but Flash make the comparisons pretty easy. It's almost as if the simpler more concise side of Yes went with Peter Banks when he was ousted from the group, and on hearing this one wonders if he maybe took a little TOO much. The Rickenbacker Bass style easily recalls Chris Squire's approach and sound, and indeed the kit itself also sounds uncannily familiar.

With hindsight of course, this makes a fascinating alternative to listening to Yes' debut and Time and a Word and it's most welcome to find out what Peter Banks did next in pursuit of his owm nusical vision. This is the second of three Flash albums and his guitar motifs are instantly identifiable throughout the five main compositions here. The album plays well as a whole and never fails to entertain and surprise, and as well as the obvious influence of Banks' previous band, there are indications that Fripp was on his turntable a fair bit too, there are spacious jazzy interludes which come straight out of the gentler side of King Crimson.

The album gamely struggles to escape the shadow of Yes, but when enjoyed for what it is, comes across well nevertheless. There are times when the arrangements come very close stylistically to many moments on `Time and a Word' but this is no bad thing, Banks had as much right as anyone else to take these elements and work with with them.

The playing is never too (ahem) flash, but instead sticks to tight extended compositions, with well sung vocal passages and dextrous instrumental breaks, as the opening ten minute tour de force `Lifetime' ably demonstrates. There's plenty of light and shade here and a good standard is maintained throught the album. This is good stuff, and easily worthy of your immediate attention if you are a Yes fan or enjoy investigating the unsung heroes of the early 70's.

Newly reissued by Esoteric (2010) and sounding better then ever.