Best known as the web site manager behind the early online presence of the prog-rock band YES, and the creator of the online YES fanzine 'Notes From The Edge', Washington State-based singer-songwriter Mike Tiano steps out on his own with the wildly exotic sound of his debut album Creétisvan. In the spirit of YES, Mike’s music is also progressive and his mission on Creétisvan is an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. The lead off track “There Behind You” sounds kind of like a Chris Squire arrangement complete with Rick Wakeman flavored prog-sounding keyboards. Another point of reference on Creétisvan (at least from one writer's point of view) is U.K. experimentalist Ron Geesin, the avant garde studio genius that worked with both Pink Floyd and Pete Townshend way back in the 1970s. I would even go so far out as to compare Creétisvan with Geesin producing Syd Barrett with a touch of early Zappa-esque guitar fusion added in for good measure.

Assisting Mike on Creétisvan are some truly talented players including Craig Utterback (guitar), Mark Crouter (bass, keys, effects), Randy George (guitars), Steve Leathart (drums, tympani), topped off by guest spots by current YES bassist Billy Sherwood, jazz-rock keyboard legend David Sancious and many other fine musicians. The CD comes complete with a full lyrics sheet while the album art is equally fascinating. Even though the music is experimental by design, and it may take a couple listens to truly uncover the vast sums of sonic delicacies within, on Creétisvan Mike makes the experience as easy as possible. The net result of Mike Tiano’s compositional genius makes Creétisvan one of the most curious musical adventures of 2021.