Band : Yoso
Album title : Elements
Label : Frontiers Records
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux
Release Date : 02/07/2010
Release : CD

They named this CD aptly Elements cause think all basic elements are there, but the chemistry hasn't worked fully yet. Is this then a new supergroup in the making.  Only time will tell. Consisting of former members of two legendary bands that both existed already some 30 years ago, you'd hope this will become a grower.

With a vocalist like Bobby Kimball, known from Toto and from his solo-work at least in the vocal department they have a winner. Couple that with Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, the creative minds behind Yes not much can go wrong.  I must admit though never having been a great Yes fan, only liking some of their songs, but I also admit not having listened to Yes that much.  Toto on the other hand immediately drew my attention, and I did follow them for a few albums, but not till the end, so I dare not judge upon the material they released between 1998 and 2009, when they were rejoined by Bobby Kimball.

Now about this CD, I have some mixed feelings. It consists actually of 2 CD's, the first being the new Yoso material, and the second a mix between old Toto and Yes material. Let's start with the first CD.  It has traces of old school  Toto as well as old school Yes, as could be expected, although I find the Toto influences somewhat predominant.   Vocals by Bobby are still as fantastic as they ever were, and musically al snugly fits, but I'd expected something more flamboyant, vibrant, catchy, ...  I think this CD is a grower, having to play it again and again to start hearing the finer clues. The second CD, well, since it's a mix between some great Toto tunes, and some good old Yes tunes, you know what to expect.  It starts with a live version of "Yoso", and is immediately followed by an also live version of one of Toto's finest tracks "Rosanna".  Next comes "Owner Of a Lonely Heart", and so it goes on.  Great to hear all those tracks once again.

Conclusion: They may not be that young anymore, but these guys know how to write and perform decent songs.  Let's hope on the next album they can cash in on their experience, and write some even greater tracks.

90/100

Erik Morren.