VERMILION SANDS is a Japanese quintet with a standard line-up for a Progressive rock band (Bass, drums, guitar & keyboards). The feminine vocals sung by Yoko ROYAMA strongly evoke Annie HASLAM, whereas the musicians perform a delicate, elegant and refined music close to something the British musicians of RENAISSANCE could have issued in their heyday. The reissue of "Water Blue", their unique album recorded in 1989, includes many bonus-tracks. We can for example hear two tracks recorded when the band got together again at the Silver Elephant of Tokyo on December 22nd, 1996. Violinist Akihisa TSUBOY (KBB and SIX-NORTH) was part of the event. This true legend of the Japanese scene of the Eighties makes an unexpected come-back today. Published in the year 2013 on the Musea label, "Spirits Of The Sun" is a collection of pastoral paintings, in the spirit of the first album by RENAISSANCE, recorded half-live and half in the studio. Many guests are featured here, such as violinist extraordinaire Akihisa TSUBOY on the live-track "Don"t Forget Your Love Mind". This wonderful piece of art was almost finished when female singer Yoko ROYAMA sadly passed away of cancer. The composer of all tracks, keyboards player Masahiro YAMADA pays tribute to his "dying beauty" with thrilling instrumentals like "Autumn" or "Seven Clouds". A splendid return !