What happened to the days when you would be genuinely excited that a new Renaissance album was being released? Somewhere along the line, it was decided that the notion of more being less was appropriate for this legendary franchise, and that sophistication ran parallel with programming a setlist of minimal, awkward songs with silly names that were chosen because, hey, the song 'must' be good if I don't understand the title...
The fact is, Renaissance has long forgotten its roots and this album typifies how. It is nothing more than lifeless, plodding constructions of rhythm that send people to the bar rather than the dance floor. It is the DJ wallowing in his self importance, and believing that a streamlined, flawless choice of transitioning and mixing is more important than the choice of songs in the first place. Where is the art in that, I say. Why do the energy levels never rise or fall? Where are the exciting transitions between different mixes of the same composition?
I fully accept that it is Renaissance's nature to try and shake things up - try something new if you like - but you could hand anyone this album and they simply wouldn't be able to describe 'what' it is. And until Renaissance do decide to return to creative practice and actually follow-up with an album that relives our favourite club nights under the influence of progressive house, then they won't be getting another penny off me.