Fish Out of Water

Yes-like in every possible aspect, Chris Squire's Fish out of Water is an album that's typical of his band's progressive formula: softened keyboard extensions à la Patrick Moraz, steady yet atmospheric percussion work from Bill Bruford, and a smattering of flute and saxophone that accompanies a small orchestra, which includes effective horn and harp work. Squire's guitar playing is standard, coming to life the most on "Silently Falling" and "Lucky Seven," with the former boosted by a rather dazzling synthesizer solo from Moraz. Even though there are few surprises laid out on the album's five tracks, the elemental composition of pure '70s progressive rock is strewn across each song from start to finish. Squire even sounds like Jon Anderson, especially on "Hold out Your Hand," and each of the song's melodies cater to Squire's vocal ascent. Fish out of Water harbors some firm instrumental and vocal cross-breeding while remaining well within the prog rock norm. ~ Mike DeGagne