PROLOGUE

Renaissance was one of the very few groups that the new incarnation of the former band gets so much better it completely overshadows its preceders in all aspects. It was only fortunate that every member of the original Renaissance would be replaced by such gifted, talented and creative musicians. But, as all Renaissance fans know, the new singer made all the difference. Annie Haslam is debuting here but she´s already soaring through the album like few vets would (or could) do. My God, what a beautiful voice! Best female singer ever to grace a rock band!

Many friends of mine at the time dismissed this album as not ´truly´ Renaissance album, since its sound is not really the classical acousticly driven music the group would achieve in the next offering, the classic Ahes Are Burning. Certainly the group was still trying to find their sound and the music here is still a bit hard edge, more electric here. Still even at such an early age I could sense I was hearing a unique and groundbreaking band. And Rob Hendry guitar licks are good, making one only wonder what they might sound had he stayed a little longer.

Highlights? all the songs, really. Its a matter of taste not of quality. Choose your pick. Mine are The title track, Kiev (the best Jon Camp vocal performance ever), Bound For Infinity and the simple, but effective, Spare Some Love.

A different record from the classic period, but a essential one. Maybe not as good as the next four albums, but still a must have for any prog lover. 4,5 stars.