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Glass Hammer: If
ByNeither Schendel or Babb could be considered massively innovative, the way any of Yes' glory day alum were, nor could recent recruits Alan Shikoh (guitar) and Randall Williams (drums) be considered groundbreakers like Yes guitarist Steve Howe or drummer Bill Bruford. What they are, howeverin contrast to the tired, overblown anachronism of Yes 2011is committed. If's four episodic epics (in the nine to 24-minute range) and two shorter pieces possess so many stylistic markers from 1970-'72 Yesfrom Babb's punchy bass lines and analogue synth work, and Schendel's organ and mellotron, to Shikoh's tart guitar and electric sitar linesthat it suggests how Yes might have evolved, had it avoided the massive egos and creative missteps that have created a revolving door of legacy members.
Instrumentally, Glass Hammer is better balanced between its members, with room for everyone to shine and none of the sense of competition that began to invade Yes by the time of its flawed but occasionally brilliant Tales from Topographic Oceans (Atlantic, 1973). Instead, these six original tracksbuilt around Davison's spiritual lyrics, instrumental movements ranging from propulsive, irregularly metered grooves to ethereal atmospherics, and hard-driving solo segments that still retain some of Schendel's allegiance to Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Keith Emersonare thoroughly compelling, and, even if reverential beyond all reason, somehow fresh and new.
If this review appears to wax heavily on Glass Hammer's similarities to Yes, it's only because they're impossible to ignore, right down to its use of rhythmic vocal harmony. But if it's possible for an homage to supersede its sourceat least its source as it is todaythen If does exactly that. It may not be Yes but, based on YouTube videos from the progressive rock superstar's latest tour, that's just as well. Instead, If is like a Yes album from an alternate universe, where internal strife and external expectations aren't a hindranceallowing the group, instead, to continue on where it left off around the time of Close to the Edge (Atlantic, 1972) and Tales from Topographic Oceans . With a new Yes album on the horizon, it's still likely that If will be the one to reach for, when the jones hits.
Track Listing
Beyond, Within; Behold, The Ziddle; Grace the Skies; At Last We Are; If the Stars; If the Sun.
Personnel
Fred Schendel: keyboards, steel guitar, mandolin, backing vocals; Steve Babb: bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; Jon Davison: lead vocals; Alan Shikoh: guitars; Randall Williams: drums.
Album information
Title: If | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Arion Records