Don't kill the cheese
Often considered a target for rotten produce, Tormato is classic Yes at their most self-indulgent. Still, compared to what has followed, the album isn't *that* dreadful. What drags the album down is Jon Anderson's new agey flights of fancy (what the British call "twee"), particularly the woeful Circus Of Heaven. Some may also find Rick Wakeman's keyboards to be an exercise in synthesized cheddarHighlights are Future Times/Rejoice, and On The Silent Wings Of Freedom, both of which are fueled by Chris Squire's monumental bass work. Release Release is another uptempo rocker. Don't Kill The Whale also features some fun chord progressions over a driving rock beat, but is marred by some of the cheesiest lyrics this side of a Velveeta commercial.If you are new to Yes, start with the real classics...this one might make you wonder how this band has lasted so long