7 years since the release of their most recent album ‘Heaven and Earth’, rock band Yes are releasing a new collection of original songs in an album called ‘The Quest’. The album will feature eleven songs in the main track list, as well as three ‘bonus tracks’. As well as on CD, the new album will be release on vinyl and Blu Ray, through InsideOutMusic/Sony Music. The cover features art by Roger Dean, who also worked on the artwork for previous Yes albums ‘Fragile’ and ‘Tales from Topographic Oceans’.
In a statement, guitarist Steve Howe said that “It is simply an honor for me to have the opportunity to bring together the band members in the development of a well-refined set of songs that capture the band’s true potential…Much of the music was written in late 2019 with the rest in 2020. We commissioned several orchestrations to augment and enhance the overall sound of these fresh new recordings, hoping that our emphasis on melody, coupled with some expansive instrumental solo breaks, keeps up the momentum for our listeners.”
The band are working with the new label for this album, and manager Thomas Waber said about the new record that “I am delighted to welcome Yes to the label and am looking forward to seeing the reaction of the band’s fans to the new album…Being a long-time fan myself, I am really excited by the new material. Steve Howe managed to capture many of the important elements that we all love about Yes!”
Speaking about their 2017 live show where they played with former band members, Howe added that “I don’t think [the fans] should stay up late nights worrying about that…There’s just too much space out there between people. To be in a band together or even to do another tour like [1991’s] Union is completely unthinkable.”
Yes will be touring the new album throughout Europe in May 2022, and each show will feature a full length performance of their 1974 album ‘Relayer.’