ASHES ARE BURNING

I'm so glad I woke up to Renaissance after all these years. 'Ashes are buring' is a fine album. Renaissance strike the perfect balance between folk, rock and classical music on this album. It could have leant more towards folk, and that IMO would have been its downfall.

Annie Haslams voice is superb, enchanting and sensitive in parts, dramatic and strong in others. John Touts piano playing is flawless, and the overall feel of the album is of classic thoughtfull, 70's rock. The production is clean and natural sounding. Many artists benefited from this 'organic' production, so prevelant in the 70's, and sadly lacking in todays digital age.

'Can you understand' 'At the harbour' and 'Ashes are buring' are the best tracks on this album. Full of drama, and musical twists and turns that either take you surprise, or just make you smile knowing that you have made a very wise purchase!

There's not really a duff track in sight. The weakest is probably 'Let it grow' but even that is pleasant enough on the ears.