Review by Doug Cornell

Memphis recording artists Yes No Maybe are one of the more polished acts to release a hard rock album this year.  Pieces of the Puzzle establishes this band as a contender for modern rock-radio airplay.  All of the pieces of the puzzle are here (sorry for the pun): Slick, powerful production, punchy guitars, and soaring, hard-rock vocals.

Beginning with a bluesy guitar riff, "Who You Are" is as radio-ready a tune as you're likely to find.  One listen and you'll be singing along with the chorus, "Open your eyes..."  Echoes of Bad Company, the Cult, or even Black Sabbath are heard in the next track, Back Into You."  Vocalist Devan Yanik could step in and record Ozzie's vocals if needed (let's hope not, Ozzie is the KING).

The edgier "You Put Yourself There" offers a pleasant change of pace.  With a clever guitar riff and rapidly changing dynamics, the song is original and refreshing.  "All We Have" is a mid-tempo rocker with a radio-friendly chorus and clever guitar interplay.  This EP showcases the bands entire range of talents, and "Beyond the Pain" is the obligatory ballad.  The song is sung with passion, and the quiet guitars and piano set a pleasant tone.

Pieces of the Puzzle is slicker sounding than 99% of this decade's modern music, but the band wisely chose to pay homage to the bands they love most.  With a little more seasoning, Yes No Maybe may break out of the crowded hard-rock genre.