Following the release of Yes’ Big Generator in 1987, and the conclusion of the band’s contract with Atco, vocalist Jon Anderson left, dissatisfied with the direction Trevor Rabin had taken the group. Reuniting with guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford, he formed this group, which also featured bassist Tony Levin (who’d worked with Bruford in King Crimson). They only made one album, but in so doing, they proved that it was entirely possible to make progressive rock in the late ’80s without pandering to ’70s nostalgia or cavorting around in a humiliating attempt to attract pop fans.

The songs on ABWH are catchy, but not poppy. Anderson and Howe did most of the writing, while Wakeman contributed two songs, “Fist Of Fire” and “The Meeting.” The 10-minute “Brother Of Mine” is effectively a three-part suite, and two other pieces, “Quartet” and “Order Of The Universe,” run through four sections each. Sure, the guitar, keyboard and drum sounds may lock them in time, but the music overall bears a much more Yes-ish stamp than the stuff on Big Generator. And while this isn’t an official Yes album, it’s definitely something fans should hear.