Children of the Universe - Flash, Bennett, Ray [Bass]
Dreams of Heaven - Flash, Banks, Peter [1]
The Time It Takes - Flash, Banks, Peter [1]
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1972 debut album from former Yes guitarist Peter Banks and mates. Upon his departure from Yes following the release of the album Time And A Word, guitarist Banks formed thi... more »s excellent Progressive outfit featuring Ray Bennett (bass, guitar), Colin Carter (vocals) and Mike Hough (drums). Signing to the Sovereign label in the UK, Flash recorded their eponymous debut album and were joined by another ex-Yes member, Keyboard player Tony Kaye, whose skill graced the entire album. This reissue includes the rare single version of 'Small Beginnings' as a bonus track and is certain to appeal to the legions of Yes fans and lovers of Classic and Progressive Rock. Esoteric. 2009.« less
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1972 debut album from former Yes guitarist Peter Banks and mates. Upon his departure from Yes following the release of the album Time And A Word, guitarist Banks formed this excellent Progressive outfit featuring Ray Bennett (bass, guitar), Colin Carter (vocals) and Mike Hough (drums). Signing to the Sovereign label in the UK, Flash recorded their eponymous debut album and were joined by another ex-Yes member, Keyboard player Tony Kaye, whose skill graced the entire album. This reissue includes the rare single version of 'Small Beginnings' as a bonus track and is certain to appeal to the legions of Yes fans and lovers of Classic and Progressive Rock. Esoteric. 2009.
"This was a great band of truly unique musicians, Pete Banks, formerly of YES on guitar, Ray Bennett on bass, Mike Hough on drums and Colin Carter on lead vocals. Tony Kaye of YES was never actually a member of the band. He played for hire only on this, the first of three albums and though there was talk of him joining, he never did. This debut was their strongest album, but that wild, adventurous spirit and virtuosity was consistent in all their work and certainly in concert. They sold well enough for a young band and might have gone on to super status with the ability to get along and better management. They impetuously called it quits. Banks and Bennett are still recording as solo artists.Is it true there's talk of a reunion with all the original members? [....] Cheers, A Fan"
Show us your chops! (So to speak)
D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 11/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Outstanding 1972 debut album from the first branch to break off the Yes family tree. Many Flash fans seem to feel that this was a "Nyeah nyeah nyeah nyeah nyeah!" from ex-Yesmen Peter Banks (guitar) and Tony Kaye (keyboards) to thier former bandmates, and they may be right, as the fine-tuned perfectionism displayed here would appear to demonstrate. Politics aside, there is plenty to enjoy here for fans of melodic prog-rock. The energetic spark of the album's opener "Small Beginnings", with its anthemic keyboards, arpeggio guitars and close harmonies will undoubtedly conjure up Yes at first, but upon closer listen it probably has more in common with Steely Dan's "Reelin' In The Years" than anything on "The Yes Album".... Other standouts are "Children Of The Universe" and "Dreams of Heaven", a couple more epic prog workouts that manage to never stray too far from the melody (a rarity in the genre!). An obscure but worthwhile gem to unearth."
Flash never got further than Small Beginnings
D. Hartley | 08/26/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The cover was tempting, the band was promising, but Flash never made the big time. Their debut is still their strongest outing, with ex-Yes members Peter Banks (guitar) and Tony Kaye (keyboards) trying desperately to prove that they were sacked for no good reason. When you are into 70's progressive rock, you should lend them your ear."
A Case of Mistaken Identity
02/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When Flash/Flash was released, "Small Beginnings" and "Children of the Universe" received major airplay from prog-rock stations. At the time, the style was to play long segues, with almost no announcments. Most people never heard the artists credits... and with two alumni from "Yes", Peter Banks (guitar) and Tony Kaye (keyboards)... people ran out and bought "The Yes Album" and missed the band "Flash" completely. What a shame. This album really shows their talents, but the market just wasn't there for them. The songs on this album are great."