Writers frequently approach a Durutti Column review by falling back on history. There's usually an explanation of the name of the band, a look back at the group's signing to Factory Records, a mention of the sandpaper sleeve for 1980's The Return of The Durutti Column, and maybe even a delicate recitation of Vini Reilly's health issues Writers do this not so much out of necessity, or a desire to provide context for the music, but precisely because the sounds on a Durutti Column release are so ineffable, so utterly their own that to attempt to be the guy or gal who tries to describe them in concrete terms would be an unthinkable sin of the written word. So that's a long way of saying, forgive my sins in trying to write about this very special long-player.
Renascent, the first Durutti Column record in some 16 years, is gorgeous in many ways. It's an album that is being greeted with the warmth that Vini Reilly's always deserved, as well as a degree of broader appreciation for the man's talents and genius. The breadth of styles on Renascent make this a wonderful listen, and a record which sails into moods and emotions that vary with a bit of quiet drama to them. While "Time Present and Past" flutters into our consciousness atop Reilly's delicate-yet-determined notes, the hymnal "Your Shadow at Morning" conjures a sacred space for this still wonderfully iconoclastic music. The haunting "Agonistes" is anchored by vocals from Caoilfhionn Rose, vocals which give the track a vibe not unlike the numbers on the first This Mortal Coil album that were sung by Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins) or Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance). The spry "Liars", the lead single here, is nimble and direct, Vini's guitar etching out patterns, chords, and notes around percussion and effects. Drummer Bruce Mitchell centers "Your Shadow at Evening", a modest racket that is a little post-punk and a little jazz. There's variety on Renascent, including a smart production effort from Keir Stewart. He gives material like "Sargasso Sea" a nice, clean mix, while other tracks like "Echoes in the Memory" have the kind of depth and complexity of the early Durutti Column material which was touched by the legendary Martin Hannett.
Renascent ends on "For Friends Everywhere", one of the loveliest pieces of music you're going to hear in 2026. A reworking of "For Belgian Friends", a fond, older composition from the band, this 2026 effort is just beautiful. Tinkling keys, horns, and strings give this a classical feel, though the piece is intimately energetic and subtly vibrant. And while the CD and digital versions of Renascent append the bonus cut "All They See is Fire", this one, "For Friends Everywhere" feels like the real closer of this Durutti Column "comeback" record, its playful hook earning this track the kind of hopeful mood that is just impossible to shake after a few plays.
Even on the numbers here where other musicians are more prominent, this whole release is imbued with Vini Reilly's heart and essence. Renascent indeed because Reilly was always sort of subtly progressing, renewing himself with each new release. His music was so much in its own world and yet still capable of suprising us. That makes this album an equal to earlier efforts from Reilly and crew. For long-time devotees, casual fans, and newcomers, there's no record in 2026 which will warm the heart like Renascent by The Durutti Column.
Renascent by The Durutti Column is out today.
Details on The Durutti Column via the official site.
[Photo: Michael Steff]