AMG Review of Tormato [Bonus Tracks]

Paul Collins
All Music Guide

The '70s model of Yes recorded Tomato in a morale slump and an impending haze of drink. There are some decent tunes, and "Don't Kill the Whale" was their last successful single for years; the soaring "Onward" helps redeem some of the weaker material, like "Arriving UFO" and "Circus of Heaven." Of special interest is the pounding "On the Silent Wings of Freedom," which pushes Chris Squire and Alan White to the front of the mix, establishing the kind of aggressive and straightforward rhythms that would propel the band through the '80s. Bass freaks, take note: this tune also marks one of the few appearances of the Dipthong pedal, accounting for Squire's distinctive "bow bow bow" sound.