Review
Steve Howe’s nimble, jazzy solos and the sweep of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra signal that the modern-day incarnation of Yes is determined to solidify its own contemporary identity. Yet critics are sharply divided on whether this 24th record, shaped by remote file-sharing, successfully escapes the crushing gravity of the band's legendary catalog.
For some, the record's polished, mid-tempo structures feel overly cautious. Classic Rock lamented that the album "sounds as if it's relying on muscle memory rather than on real inspiration," arguing that despite faultless playing, "there's no real spark" to propel the material into orbit. Critics note that the physical distance of home-studio collaboration often results in a flatter, more polite acoustic-electric blend.
Conversely, others embrace this lineup's composure. Ultimate Classic Rock praised the release as "another step out of those long shadows toward a musical approach that's now wholly their own," while Consequence of Sound noted how the title track "showcases symphonic elements not seen since 2001's Magnification."
