YES fans have been treated to a bounty of new music over the past few years, with releases ranging from YES‘ latest album, “Mirror to the Sky,” to Trevor Rabin‘s “Rio.” Now, one of the legendary rock act’s founding members, Jon Anderson, is set to release a brand-new album in collaboration with THE BAND GEEKS. Titled “True,” this album is scheduled to drop on August 23rd, 2024, via Frontiers Music srl.
The collaboration between Jon Anderson and THE BAND GEEKS blossomed after Jon discovered their cover of “Heart of the Sunrise” online. The chemistry during their subsequent tour was undeniable, leading Jon to suggest creating an album together. The outcome is nothing short of inspiring and heartwarming—just what the doctor ordered.
Opening with “True Messenger,” the album immediately takes listeners on a nostalgic journey. The song has a quintessentially YES feel, reminding me of the time I first fell in love with the band’s sound during a road trip to France as a kid when my dad put on “The Ladder.” “True Messenger” bursts with positivity, featuring a grooving bassline, superb keyboard melodies, and gorgeous guitar leads. For my money, this track is one of the best things YES has put out since “The Ladder.”
Just as “True Messenger” wraps up, the album transitions into “Shine,” which picks up with harmonized vocals, a groovy bass, and an irresistible guitar lead. The track channels the spirit of “90125,” but with a fresh 2024 twist. Moving on to “Counties and Countries,” this nearly 10-minute epic delivers a wave of nostalgia. There’s something about this song that feels familiar, as if it’s always been part of the YES catalog, despite being entirely new. The track’s opening blend of synths, orchestrations, and guitar, coupled with its strong verses and a beautiful chorus, makes it a standout. The acoustic guitar strumming adds warmth, and the modern production enhances the intricate layers, bringing the song to life in a way that’s both respectful of the past and fresh for today. The final two minutes, with their climactic build-up, are truly breathtaking.
Slowing things down, “Build Me an Ocean” showcases Jon Anderson‘s talent for creating soothing, relaxing ballads. The song starts simply, with just piano, acoustic guitar, and Jon’s voice, before gradually building up with warm bass and subtle keyboard touches. It’s a track reminiscent of “Wonderous Stories.” Kicking off with refreshing keyboards and guitars, “Still a Friend” offers a cool bassline that pairs perfectly with Jon’s vocals. The chorus feels timeless and familiar, yet the song itself is refreshingly new—a perfect example of Jon Anderson‘s ability to innovate while staying true to his roots. Alongside “True Messenger,” this track is one of the album’s highlights.
Switching gears, “Make It Right” begins with acoustic guitar, evoking memories of “And You and I.” It’s a slower, more introspective track that focuses heavily on the lyrics. The instrumentation is minimal, allowing Jon Anderson‘s emotional vocals to take center stage. Despite the song’s abrupt ending, it transitions smoothly into the next track. Uplifting and positive, “Realization Part Two” picks up the tempo after the melancholic mood of the previous song. Clocking in at just over three minutes, it’s one of the shorter tracks on the album but ends beautifully with a choir of harmonized vocals.
The album’s longest track, “Once Upon a Dream,” begins with what sounds like a triangle and Jon’s rhythmic vocals. The song steadily grows in intensity, culminating in a classic YES-style climax, with keyboards and guitars taking the lead. The organ solo towards the end adds a nostalgic nod to “Going for the One.” Finally, the album closes with “Thank God,” a short yet uplifting track that provides a warm, satisfying conclusion to the listening experience.
This album feels like a natural continuation of “The Ladder” and “Magnification.” It truly gives the impression that Jon Anderson had an abundance of songs just waiting to be written after his departure from YES. So, this album is exactly what I’ve been hoping for from Jon Anderson! If YES isn’t an option for him—whether with Rabin or Howe—then assembling a group of top-tier musicians to bring the world real YES music is the next best thing. With impeccable production, “True” delivers a modern-day YES sound that we’ve likely been craving since “Magnification.” The songwriting is outstanding, feeling more YES than YES itself at times. Jon Anderson has found an incredible team in THE BAND GEEKS, and I can only hope they continue to create music together.
Tracklist
1. True Messenger
2. Shine On
3. Counties And Countries
4. Build Me An Ocean
5. Still A Friend
6. Make It Right
7. Realization Part Two
8. Once Upon A Dream
9. Thank God
Lineup
Jon Anderson – Vocals
Richie Castellano – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Andy Ascolese – Drums, Percussion, Keyboards, Vocals
Andy Graziano – Guitar, Vocals
Christopher Clark – Keyboards
Robert Kipp – Hammond Organ, Vocals
Ann Marie Nacchio – Additional Vocals
Label
Frontiers Music srl
Links
Website
Facebook – Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics
Instagram – @jonandersonyesepicsandclassics
TikTok – @JonAndersonYESEpic
YouTube – Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics
