If there was a band that fiddly a Grammy for well konträrste Symbiotik, from classically inspired music and complex progressive arrangements deserved, then it would be Renaissance. Hardly any other band has let such classical inspiration, like the British rock band. Almost half of the songs contained here shows clearly immanent classic touch, large-scale piano part, which the prog scene has nunmal made in the late sixties, famous in the burgeoning wave in the seventies and the eighties partially. Together, the structures set with unusual geradliniegen rock riffs and -rythmen, only that the classical aspect of the pieces overshadowed the progressive complexity. Therefore Renassaince include, in addition to EL & P (which at that time did not yet exist) for elite spearhead the progressive rock with high-ranking classical influence. When singing is already evident here, a typical trademark of the band: the two-part female and male vocals of Jane and Keith Relf, which make the songs seem baroque. As you know it from other groups - - It does not change the vocal duet way, but from song to song. Highlights of this classic prog structure are KING AND QUEENS, INNOCENCE, hikers and BULLET. All pieces are - as usual for the progressive rock - quite long and full of musical complexities, turning rich arrangements and rocking rhythms, although the complexity has to back off here in favor cantilevered piano passages. The aforementioned song is tender, zerbreblich, on the other hand at the same time strongly anklangend and expressive solos such virtuosity and drums full of edges and thorns. Two years later appeared ILLUSION, in my opinion, could not maintain the high level of the debut entirely. For lovers of progressive rock, as well as for those fans of classical music a required curriculum worthy album to dinner by candlelight. BUY!
