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Canadian rockers Saga have been
an honest working band who haves never really gone away and
continue to release studio albums every other year or so.
A band always there with new material is always in danger
of repeating themselves or stepping sideways out of fear of
repeating themselves, and saga themselves have done both a
few times. But this, 2004's 'Network', is a pretty solid effort
with a lot of memorable moments, Despite a pretty raw sounding
mix. Saga were going for a more 'organic' rock sound- analogue
recording- and a more 'live' vibe. The drums in particular
are a little murky. However, the playing is pretty solid.
Saga fans will notice the absence of underrated original drummer
Steve Negus, who had left the band. His replacement, Christian
Simpson, is no slouch. A 'meaty'-sounding drummer, Simpson
proves to be worthy to play in Negus' stead. So if you can
look past the drum mix, you'll find Saga are still consistent
in the drum department.
'Network' is an energetic disc,
where heavy guitars, vintage synths and Michael's Sadler's
distinct powerful vocals run you over like a train. The first
three tracks in particular suckerpunch you and leave you for
dead. There is a heavier edge to NETWORK this time, and no
'Chapters'. Having been recording and touring since 1978,
at this stage in their career Saga probably have no grand
plan on ruling the world and are content to focus their energies
on the areas where they are the most successful(Europe, and
Germany in particular). Some may say the last three or four
albums have been 'Saga-by-numbers', but with NETWORK, they
at least have solid ammunition and do what they do well. They
sometimes play with their past a little in loving jest(the
voice of 'Sam' from their 1995 concept album 'GENERATION 13'
introduces the album). For those who want a little familiarity
when they buy a record by one of their old favorite bands,
Saga rarely disappoint.
NETWORK seems to have a semi-conceptual
thread running through some of it dealing with the news, reality
TV, and our generally information starved society.
The songs:
ON THE AIR:
Synth opens the track in a 'prog-rock'
style, which goes through many changes and themes. Jim Gilmour
provides some 'Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' type key patterns.
KEEP IT REEL:
A crunching rocker where Ian Crichton
gets to strut his guitar-strangling talents. The synth sounds
like an air raid siren. Drums knock you back too.
I'M BACK:
The pace doesn't let up, as this
driving anthem about new beginnings and new leases on life
follows. The sound is unmistakeably Saga, and one of their
best on the 2000's.
IF I WERE YOU:
One of the album's balads which
provides contrast from the first three powerhouses. Acoustic
guitar, synths and soft backing vocals bring to mind some
of Saga's 90's material.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:
Another softer track with soulful
vocals and somewhat progressive middle bit.
DON'T LOOK NOW:
A Saga-by-numbers heavier cut with
piano and familiar Saga lyrical matter, self motivation.
LIVE AT FIVE:
Chunky guitar, hovering synths,
true Saga.
BACK WHERE WE STARTED:
Keyboardist Jim Gilmour manages
to sing a song per album sometimes, and on here he also provides
some nice soloing as well, something often lacking with Saga.
He doesn't usually do too many synth solos. Anyone interested
in Jim's playing should also pick up his proggy new solo album
'Great Escape' as well.
BELIEVE:
Sadler's tortured vocals drive home
this somewhat sad sounding, moody anthem in a neo-prog direction
of bands like ARENA. Brings to mind maybe 'Chapter One: Images'
from the second album.
DON'T MAKE A SOUND:
Powerful, edgy and dramatic, in
the tradition of perfect Saga album closers like TIRED WORLD
or GOODBYE(ONCE UPON A TIME). This one was made for the stage.
Gilmour's electric piano gives way to guitar crunch, a chanting
middle part, and even new guy Christian Simpson gets in on
the act with a semi-solo.
If you haven't heard Saga for a
while, NETWORK is a good album to come back on board with.
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