RENAISSANCE ILLUSION – Through The Fire [2017 reissue +2]

Respected British reissue label Angel Air has just re-released the long time out of print RENAISSANCE ILLUSION album “Through The Fire“, with 2 previously unreleased songs as bonus tracks and new artwork.

As founder members of progressive act Renaissance, drummer and singer Jim McCarty (also The Yardbirds member), keyboard player John Hawken, singer Jane Relf and bassist Louis Cennamo were, along with guitarist Keith Relf, responsible for the band’s first two albums before the outfit reinvented themselves completely and, in the process, found greater fame.
However this original quartet would reform in 1977 under the name Illusion. Employing a style mirroring that of their early work together they (alongside guitarist John Knightsbridge and drummer Eddie McNeill) set about releasing three well received albums.

However, many years down the line, McCarty found himself once again writing in the early Renaissance style and flanked again by Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and John Hawken (and a gaggle of sessions hands) formed Renaissance Illusion, a band mixing the musical style of both previous acts (Renaissance and Illusion) who released their one and only album, “Through The Fire”, in 2001.

Renaissance was a progressive outfit, then Illusion proved to deliver more ‘song orientated’ music than Renaissance, yet retaining the classic proggy atmospheres.
This new project ‘Renaissance Illusion’ mix both styles plus come classic rock waves, with an updated, 2000’s sound & production. These elements impose a progressive footprint on what is otherwise a melodic soft rock album.

Even though it’s musically unsurprising, “Through The Fire” still managed to captivate and engage with its audience, a decidedly patient set of songs more than hinting at times gone by through the relaxed manner in which they tell their story.
McCarty and Relf were in fine vocal form, combining to quite stunning effect as they weaved their mystical tales and gentle comments on life and beyond.
The fittingly titled opening cut ‘One More Turn Of The Wheel’ sets the tone for what’s to come, a slow build of sounds and atmosphere patient in the extreme as it slowly comes to life, Eastern flavours enigmatically unfolding through shimmering piano and wonderful vocals.

The basis of this album may be more song based than many will expect, memorable and gently hook laden choruses sticking long in the mind as the likes of ‘Good Heart’, ‘Glorious One’ and ‘My Old Friend’ play out. The latter a beautifully poised selection that conveys loss and time passing in a cleverly accessible manner, even as its pace refuses to rise above an engaging crawl.
With ‘Beyond The Day’ a gentle sway that incorporates pipes and whistle, while title track ‘Through The Fire’ is almost a casual jaunt that possesses a decided glint in its eye, while this album could never be seen as anything other than reserved and controlled, it is somehow surprisingly diverse.

This Angel Air reissue adds two previously unheard bonus selections in the shape of ‘If There Was Something I Could Change?’ and ‘Moving On’, which thankfully don’t break the album’s spell, fitting the mood and atmosphere perfectly. As such they are both welcome additions and, rather pleasingly, just as good as anything the original release contained.

They may have been overshadowed by the band they formed and then left behind and their reappearance as Illusion.
However, with this solitary album Renaissance Illusion created a wonderful little known album that makes a worthy legacy of their own and one that in this hectic world provides an excellent opportunity to slow down and relax with some beautifully poised and memorable music.
Quite Recommended

01 – One More Turn Of The Wheel
02 – Good Heart
03 – Glorious One
04 – Through The Fire
05 – Blowing Away
06 – Mystery Of Being
07 – Beat Of The Earth
08 – Beyond The Day
09 – My Old Friend
10 – Through The Fire (Reprise)
BONUS TRACKS 2017:
11 – If There Was Something I Could Change?
12 – Moving On

James McCarty – lead vocals, drums, percussion, keyboards
Jane Relf – lead vocals
John Hawken – piano, keyboards
Louis Cennamo – bass
with:
Dzal Martin – guitars
Jonathan Digby – acoustic guitars, bass
John Idan, Gary Le Port – acoustic guitars
Ravi – percussion
Jackie Rawe, Mandy Bell – vocals
Ron Korb – vocals, flute
Emily Burridge – cello
Danny Relf – keyboard programming

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