Yoke Shire: "A Seer in the Midst" Review

A lot of times, there seems to end up being a debate when it comes to so-called "progressive rock." Personally, while I can enjoy a band that sounds like old Genesis or Yes, I have a big-time problem calling them progressive. To me, regardless of how complicated something is, how technically hard to play...well, I think you get my point. That's where a band like YOKESHIRE comes in. It's very difficult for me to explain how much I like this band. After hearing their previous disc, I was an instant fan & now hearing "A Seer In The Midst," I think they are just so damn cool that I'll come right out & say I love 'em! Adopting a heavy rock base & then combining it with folk music, some very nice expansive instrumental sections & heavy vocals (that is, non-sissy ones...something that plagues some prog), they then go ahead & win me over big-time by bringing in a dark, mystical vibe I can't resist. I hesitate to make this next statement, but "A Seer In The Midst" is not a fully brand-new studio album. I say I hesitate, because I know that sometimes makes people think, "Oh, this is a non-essential disc, for completists, not a mandatory purchase..." NO! NO! NO! Listen to me closely. THIS IS AN AWESOME ALBUM. It includes 2 brand new cuts (killer ones, recorded in the new studio the band have built), 3 live cuts and 4 extremely obscure older songs, re-mastered & sounding great. The truth is, there isn't a second of filler here. Every damn song is great in a row, the highlights being the opening new-y "Mesmerize," the monstrous 20+ minute live version of "The Brook, The Mirror & The Maiden" and the wonderful old chestnut title cut, weighing in at over 9 minutes. Yes, in a sense, this album is a collection, but not in the usual sense in that A) it's all previously unavailable in the form it's in and B) it is of the same mega-high quality from beginning to end. YOKESHIRE is progressive rock, to be sure, because they are doing something that is unique & different. However, it is full of heavy guitar, a dark vibe & just a sweet, deep analog-style sound that will make it appeal to '70's hard rock fans & those into stuff like Tull & Manilla Road as well as folk. This is the kind of release that CHAOS REALM was made to review! Awesome stuff baby, and it's even got a gorgeous insert booklet!