Ironically, this album’s title is now out of date, for Oliver Wakeman’s keyboard stool has been taken by Geoff Downes, returning to the Yes fold. Thankfully, however, this live set records Rick’s son’s efforts over 13 tunes which, on the whole, are a faithful, if sometimes Yes-lite take on the band’s classics.
The set opens with the simulacrum of Siberian Khatru, Steve Howe’s skittering guitar atop Wakeman Jr’s keys and Benoît David’s lofty vocals. He also puts in a good shift on the likes of I’ve Seen All Good People and the trilling Onward; but Astral Traveller – with drum solo – lacks a certain presence, as does a less slick Owner Of A Lonely Heart. Still, Yours Is No Disgrace speaks for itself, Southside Of The Sky continues the monumental tradition ably and, with bankers such as the ecstatic Heart Of The Sunrise, clapalong Roundabout and all-action Starship Trooper, most fans should consent to begrudging approval.
