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When ex-member of Fludd Jim Crichton
formed Saga with Ian Crichton & Michael Sadler they probably
had no idea that nearly 30 years on they would still be leading
the charge of Canadian prog rock. After 30 years there are
bound to be some changes. The band’s sound remains intact
despite the changes of time. While these prog rockers never
had the massive break through in the United States as Rush,
they’ve continued to toil away making memorable music and
creating a trusted (pardon the pun) brand for their fans all
these years. 17 studio albums later the album “Trust” could
have sounded mired in the mid-80’s sound that they pioneered
and honed to perfection but it sounds far from tired. “Trust”
is a return to form with all the signature elements of the
band in place. ***
From the opening track “That’s
As Far As I’ll Go” you know your in good hands. The rolling
keyboards of Jim Gilmour and lead vocals of Michael Sadler
don’t just provide comfort they inspire. That’s a good thing
the comfort of familiar music is important but not if it’s
the same stuff a band has been bashing out for the last 30
years. There has to be something fresh either in the music
itself or the attitude and tracks such as the title track
and “It’s Your Life” live up to their promise. “Footsteps
in the Hall” manages to be both punchy and powerful and clocks
in at an amazingly brief time of 3:32. “You Were Right” combines
all the melodic hooks fans have come to expect from the band
in a rip roaring prog rocker tha t plays all the right cards
and comes up with a winning hand. “The Other Side” even opens
up with sounds like a traditional Irish melody before breaking
into prog territory. Even at this stage in their career the
band hasn’t decided to play it safe all around. ***
“Trust” may not break new ground
but I’d dare say it’s as complete an album as “Heads or Tails”.
It’s a wonderful album that reaches for the stars and pulls
back a bright shining basket full of them. Long time fans
and even newer fans that only discovered the band’s music
after their creative heyday will be delighted with this powerful
effort.
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