SYMMETRY

As the reviewer TCat already pointed out, for fans there is bad news and good news. The bad news is that the album does not contain brand new material. Instead it contains acoustic versions of previously released songs. And now the good news is, Saga re-invented their tunes augmented with new interludes with surprising arrangements in a way that it sounds astonishingly fresh and sometimes even better than the original. The playful acoustic guitars, which creatively intertwine with the vocals and the other instruments, and the use of cello, violins, clarinet, accordion and piano give the tunes a folk-ish, classical and world music touch. Now and then the British progressive folk band Gryphon comes to mind. Especially the re-imagining of their big hits 'Wind Him Up' and 'No Regrets' are truly stunning listening experiences.