TURN OF THE CARDS

I thought the seventies' prog could not surprise me anymore, but oh God, how I was wrong. Renaissance is one of the most fabulous bands I've ever heard, all I have heard of them verging on perfection. This extensive use of symphonic elements, combined with lush instrumentation and a sweet and pleasant musicality make this one of the most notable bands from the giants of progressive rock.

Turn of the Cards following his wonderful Ashes are Burning and is even better, contrary to what many say. The album does not differ from its predecessor in terms of musicality, but it is even more mature, presented a greater amount of long songs, even if no exceed 10 minutes.

Opening with the fantastic Running Hard you know you're hearing something special. The piano intro is simply out of this world, and song structure does not differ from the usual Renaissance - songs longer follow a typical pattern, it is possible to notice. I especially love the section with the xylophone! I Think of You and Cold is Being are two canoes and agrad'veis short, the first one being more rock-oriented and the second featuring a delightful interplay between the vocals of Annie Haslam divins and majestic organ. Black Flame is the "weaker" here a tad forgettable, but still in his own right a great song.

But are the other two songs longer the highlight of the album. Things I Don't understand is simply majestic, I can't even describe my emotions ahead to the second half of the song where the vocals of Annie just tear my heart with so much beauty. Hard to find a band that makes a material with such beauty as Renaissance. And Mother Russia ... my God. I have no words to express my love for this song. His instrumental section is simply apotheosis, with the gradual growing of instruments and orchestra. Pure symphonic prog.

5 stars. A majestic masterpiece of epic proportions.

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