7/10

Following on from the praise and success they received for their latest studio album 'Sanctuary', progressive indie-rockers Gengahr have looked to keep their flourishing fanbase happy with the release of a new, stripped-back collection of renditions lifted from their new full-length, in the form of 'Sanctuary (Acoustic)'.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, many artists have resorted to sharing more minimal and humble offerings given that the idea of heading back into a studio anytime soon seems like a far off dream right now. But while most are very rough and almost incomplete releases of basic compositions and productions, 'Sanctuary (Acoustic)' looks to act more as a finished piece of work, highlighting a far different direction for the group as a whole. While all the tracks can be heard in their full glory on their latest LP, there is something elegant and pleasing about these new versions, almost as if they began life in this guise before being layered upon later.

Gengahr have always been ones to try and push themselves and their sound into more unknown territories, and this new collection displays that perfectly throughout. Creating something different and not at all rushed, 'Sanctuary (Acoustic)' makes for a welcome transition from their recent material.