CLOSE TO THE EDGE

In my opinion, the most memorable alignment of British band YES is the integrated one by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman and Chris Squire; and its masterpiece, "Close to the Edge". Considered by many like one of the best expressions of the Symphonic Prog, in fact some is no guarantee with which you fall in love with this album.

Perhaps the voice of Anderson is too acute for your taste, or perhaps the letters are very "cosmic" and with little literal sense (in fact are inspired by the book "Siddartha" of Herman Hesse), but many we recognize that it is an impressive work, owner of a majestic symphonic sound that combines the sensitivity of the Rock with the virtuosity of the Progressive one. At the same time, he is one on the first attempts to make a work huge, combining several subjects in a species divided épico story in several parts.

Why I consider its masterpiece? Perhaps because it is the culmination of the sound that began to develop in "Fragile" and "The Yes Album", whereas both following albums, "Such from the Topographic Oceans" and "Relayer" I feel that already the hand goes to them just a little bit. The album consists of only three pieces, the épica and symphonic "Close to the Edge", the rockera "Siberian Khatru", connected to each other by the beautiful "And You and I". "Close to the Edge" is divided in several sections, of way similar to a classic sonata where each member of the band puts the best thing of himself to obtain that the result is greater to the sum of their parts. Wakeman creates the atmosphere with the use of the Melotrón and in individual, the organ of Church, whereas the cash under Squire serves as reference while music changes and changes. The sincopadas notes that touch, particularly during the second movement, contribute much in creating the emotion contained in the piece.

Howe has several impeccable appearances with its guitar, all guidance by the voice characteristic of Jon Anderson. If you are a lover of the progressive rock and not yet you have this disc, better it lets read this review and consíguelo, because you are losing yourself of a great work. This album, independently of which you like or no, is one of the pre-requisite to understand of what the progressive one treats!