OUT OF THE MIST / ILLUSION

Although bearing the same name and cover illustration as their first album, this the CD version of "Out of the mist" in fact contains Illusion's two albums ("Out of the mist" and Illusion") released in the late 1970's.

The history of Illusion is very much intertwined with Renaissance to the extent that the line up which recorded these albums is by and large the band which was originally known as Renaissance (pre Annie Haslam). Of the Renaissance line up which recorded the confusingly titled "Illusion" album, and which subsequently disbanded, only the late Keith Relf is missing here. While the band called Renaissance came out on top in terms of success and longevity, the quality of Illusion's output should not be underestimated.

Vocalist Jane Relf has a fine voice not unlike Haslam's, further emphasising the similarities between the two bands.

The emphasis here is very much on strong melodies the songs being generally straight forward yet sophisticated, with pop influences but symphonic overtones. The opening track, "Isadora" is a strong lead off piece, with hints of prog, male/female vocal harmonies and a very appealing tune. Keyboard player John Hawkins provides some excellent piano here as he does throughout the album, his quasi-classical style coming through predominantly.

"Everywhere you go" and "Face of yesterday" prolong the highly melodic aspect of the album, the former being a particularly uplifting song, while the latter is more in the vein of the title track from Renaissance' "Prologue" album, especially in the non- lyrical vocalised sections. The closing track "Candles are burning" has obvious similarities with the title track from the previously released Renaissance album "Ashes are burning". It is by far the most progressive track on their first album, running to over 7 minutes, with a driving rhythm and soaring synthesisers behind a Curved Air like composition. The vocals are particularly powerful here, the track making for a wonderful climax to the original "Out of the mist".

"Illusion", the second album, is very much a continuation of the first both in terms of quality and style, giving a welcome continuity to this compilation. That said, the tracks on the second album are that bit longer, allowing the band to explore slightly more complex, indeed progressive, structures.

"Madonna Blue" seems at first to be a melodic but simple piece, but has a song symphonic coda where John Hawken's piano work is a particular feature. "Louis' Theme" is much sparser, even allowing for the orchestration. Relf's vocals here have a haunting quality. "Man of miracles" and "Wings across the sea" also maintain the soft reflective mood.

"Cruising nowhere" is reminiscent of IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY's "White Bird" moving at times towards almost trance like territory. The closing track "The revolutionary" is one of the band's most adventurous, starting with a a Moody Blues ("Question") like intro prior to some dramatic story telling and a softer middle section. The high pitched male vocal lead can be quite disconcerting at first, but the song weaves its historical tale in a Strawbs (Dave Cousins) like way. (Hawken was of course a member of the Strawbs for a while.)

Those who enjoy the music of Renaissance will find much to appeal the them here. This is a fine melodic album, which features talented musicians working as a coherent unit.

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