REVIEW: YES – In the Present (Live in Lyon)

 

YES – In the Present (Live in Lyon)

Frontiers Records

In the Present is a double live CD accompanied by a DVD release, capturing a performance by the legendary progressive rock band YES. Formed in 1968 in England, YES has established itself as a significant influence within the progressive rock genre, boasting a discography of 20 studio albums. Their latest studio effort, Fly from Here, was released in 2011 through Frontiers Records.

The band is renowned for their complex compositions, often characterized by lengthy tracks that showcase their technical proficiency and melodic sophistication. Notable albums include The Yes Album, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans, and 90125, the latter featuring the commercially successful hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. While some listeners might find their sound somewhat less innovative compared to other progressive rock giants, YES remains a band with distinctive trademarks—melodic richness, Rick Wakeman’s characteristic keyboard sound, virtuosic musicianship, and notable album covers.

Recorded in Lyon in December 2009, In the Present offers a live representation of the band’s enduring repertoire. The DVD includes approximately 55 minutes of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, providing additional context for fans and newcomers alike. The live audio quality is generally good, although audience participation is relatively subdued during the performance.

The setlist on the first CD features tracks such as “Siberian Khatru,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Tempus Fugit,” “Onward,” “Astral Traveller,” “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “And You and I,” and an acoustic solo titled “Corkscrew.” The second CD includes notable highlights like “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “South Side of the Sky,” “Machine Messiah,” “Heart of the Sunrise,” “Roundabout,” and “Starship Trooper.”

Overall, In the Present serves as a solid live documentation of YES’s enduring musical legacy. It is particularly recommended for dedicated fans of progressive rock and YES enthusiasts, who may appreciate the band’s performance and setlist choices. For new listeners, it offers a representative sample of the band’s live sound and repertoire, though it may not fully capture the studio complexity and innovation that originally defined their groundbreaking albums.

Ioannis  "Knight of Light"  Kaskamanidis