Relayer
Relayer brings a sharper edge to Yes's progressive rock. The guitar sounds more forceful, the rhythm section is highly active, and Patrick Moraz's keyboards give the arrangements a different kind of movement. Delicate singing still has an important place, but it often emerges from music that is dense, restless and demanding.
The Gates of Delirium takes up more than half the record. Its long opening establishes several ideas before the central battle section drives the instruments into a much more intense exchange. Steve Howe's guitar and Chris Squire's bass have a strong presence, while Alan White keeps the changing rhythms moving. The detail has real force when the band work towards the same point.
Soon provides the necessary change in atmosphere. Jon Anderson's voice and the gentler guitar lines give the closing section a sense of sadness and release. Its effect depends on the pressure that comes before it. The music has travelled a long way to reach that quieter setting, making the change feel substantial rather than merely decorative.
Sound Chaser is more unsettled. Fast instrumental exchanges and a strong jazz influence give it an energetic, unpredictable character. The guitar and keyboards push the arrangement forward, although the rapid changes leave less space for a lasting vocal melody. Its excitement comes from following the players through a difficult piece together.
To Be Over offers a calmer ending. Its slower development and softer singing provide welcome space after the more aggressive material. The beauty is clear, but the song does not hold the same dramatic interest as the opening epic. The album's two shorter pieces are impressive without quite matching that first track's range.
Relayer is not an easy record to absorb all at once. The busy instrumental sections can feel abrasive, and its songs do not always supply a simple route through the detail. That is also part of its appeal. Yes make a convincing case for this more forceful sound, with a remarkable opening piece and enough contrast to keep the full record rewarding.
