FISH OUT OF WATER

Apart from Wakeman's 70's output, this is my favourite album by Yes' members. Squire exceeds expectations, less by playing and more by how the music is constructed, tied and executed. He is also a skilled and memorable vocalist but as you guessed, the bass guitar has the priority throughout entire album. Though music isn't complex and is more down to earth than most of '72-74's Yes output, it is very interesting to be heard and analysed. As for the guests, the most apparent one is Mr. Bruford with his typical snare sound and slightly more relaxed feeling than during the Yes times. The keyboard player stickst to Yes' style and Moraz does a commendable effort here. Ok, so it's actually Andrew Jackman who provides most of keyboards (in the symphonic vein). Surprisingly, we've got orchestra which isn't overblown and fits well, especially on the last symphonic track. The relative absence of guitar is far from a disaster as it's possible to appreciate the aggressive bass lines and different keyboard instruments. The first track "Hold out your hand" is like a taste candy to the rest of the album. Relatively short, but melodic and with the typical Squire's playing. "You by my side" is a step down from progressive complexity but brings more emotions, harmony and strives to be melodic (can't beat the first track however). "Silently falling" brings us into the Yes world again with its splendid almost 12 minutes. We hear first highly awaited soloing by keyboards (Hammond), muscular bass and ornate drumming a la fusion. The track graduates instrumentally when reaching its half before calming down to the main motive territory. The last part may be a bit overdrawn however it doesn't mean any boredom when it comes to playing. "Lucky seven" leave the Yes territory (minus drums) and adds the Canterbury rooted saxophone playing. Beside that, we hear strong focus on the rhythm section in the mix. The last epic is the most ambitious song, it's very impressive considering it came from a bass player. Lots of good harmonies. There are even moments led by orchestra but bass guitar doesn't let them go too far. The last 4 minutes are excellent symphonic moments in the vein of other ambitious prog rock albums. It was fortunate to let instruments speak without any vocals.

Squire decided to stop at his best and not create any future solo albums in that vein (well, he was also constantly busy with Yes). You could consider it a lost Yes album - if you can't sacrifice the lack of guitar - or take is one of the best solo albums by any Yes' members.