Some album reviews write themselves within as an almost instantaneous reaction to the music being heard. Some stay hidden for the longest time and then suddenly jump out at you, battering you with the inspiration stick. Others still could beat Osama Bin Laden at a game of hide and seek. I’ve listened to this album repeatedly over the past week and my initial opinion has changed so many times that even as I write this I’m still not sure which type of review this is going to be!

My first impression was that the task would be simple. This CD is a tale of two halves: the first half is on “foot massage” terms with genius, whilst the second is nothing more than an irritating frustration designed to remind me of the quality of the first half. But now I’m convinced I was wrong and it’s far more complex than that.

The album opens with the magical words of the poem Ode written by Arthur O’Shaughnessy in 1874. “We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of dreams”, which many of you will probably recognise purely because they were written on the inside cover of 1993’s Renaissance The Mix Collection. I’ve always loved those words and to hear two thirds of the full poem here is a real treat – a brilliant start indeed!

If the poem was enough to get me excited then the track it accompanies, King of the Invisible Land is truly magnificent. It’s not often that an opening track is also one of my favourites on an entire mix, but then this is no ordinary mix of music. For a start, the tempo of the music surprises me from the outset. Normally most progressive mixes begin at a pace that is pedestrian at best, but Henry Saiz doesn’t take that approach here. He hits the ground running by combining a mix of melodic harmony with a deep energy that is absolutely amazing.

I don’t want to be accused of hyperbole, but Henry’s track selection, his use of melodic, harmonious music and his programming over the first nine tracks of disc one are on a par with any mix of music I have heard in the past five years. It’s just that good. In isolation, tunes such as Mystical Tree, 1981, Lady in the Mirror and Black Heart are great tunes, but sequenced the way they are is pure genius. In fact, on many occasions, I had to keep checking the track listing to ensure I was actually listening to the first disc because by Black Heart I was convinced I was listening to disc two already. Regardless, at this point in the mix I am ready to get on my knees and hail Henry as the next Messiah. I haven’t had this much fun listening to music in ages.

Unfortunately, just when I’m having more fun than a puppy in a rubber ball factory, everything comes crashing back to reality as Henry slams on the brakes and brings the mix virtually to a standstill – making me think he’s not the Messiah, he’s just a very naughty boy for teasing me. There is one more highlight on disc one, however, in the form of his own, wonderful track Eterno Returno. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that Henry decided he’s picked up the pace far too early and needs to give the second mix some room to grow.

Disc two commences with just as much promise as the first disc with the heart-achingly gorgeous Gaia. As always it’s the melodic nature of the music that initially grabs you, but behind those wonderful tunes is also an energy that floats in and out of the music, teasing the listener and keeping their interest levels high. It gives you the feeling that something amazing is on its way; all you need to do is await its arrival.

I hope you’re patient, because waiting is something I did a lot of when I first listened to the second disc. It’s said that patience is a virtue so I’m hoping that the listeners of this album are a virtuous lot have because this mix is so clever and well constructed that your patience will reward you in spades!

Recall my initial impression that this second mix was frustrating. Well, it’s the type of frustration you get when you’re stuck figuring out a puzzle. The pleasure of puzzles isn’t merely finding the answer; it’s also the journey you go on to get there, even if sometimes the journey can cause frustration. Hopefully, I’ll be able to explain. For example Gaia charms you and seduces you until your defences drop. Then the soporific Vargtimmen lulls you to sleep, but just as you’re drifting away, Eelke Klejin’s Lone Ranger leaps out and cracks you over the skull before running off with your wallet. Question: What is happening? Answer: I’ve just been mugged. I’ve listened to this mix repeatedly and it took a long time for me to realise what was actually occurring!

After the initial burst of energy, Henry keeps things moving along and the strangely titled Tango Hej Da drops in to visit. This track is amazing and it reminds me of the Hammer House of Horrors gone electro after an experiment with acid – trust me it’s going to mess with your mind! But just when things really seem to be rocking along, Henry once again changes tack and sets in a sequence of tempo changes that catch you off guard time and again. When you think a build-up is coming, the music almost fades completely and then suddenly an adrenalin rush bursts through your mind and you’re off again.

Then Henry makes what I would describe as just about the only mistake on the album. He tries to bring things back down before the grand finale, but for my taste the lull goes on far too long. I keep waiting for something to happen and it seems to take quite a few moments too long. This seduce, lull and mug trick that Henry is employing here has been with us ever since the Greeks told stories of the Sirens who wrecked sailors on the coasts of Mediterranean islands. In those tales the sailors’ lives were at risk until the hero rouses his men from their slumber to save the day. The trick however is ensuring the hero arrives before the mix perishes on the rocks. Henry manages this, just, but a little more action would have been nice. OK, so it’s a minor quibble in context with the great music that has woven into this mix and whilst Henry may not be the Messiah I believe he is a hero and we always need more of those. This is definitely one for the collection – grab your copy as quickly as you can!

Balance 019 is out on June 10th through Balance Music.