SNAKES & ARROWS

Over the 10 years after this album was released I've spun it many times, at first unsure of how I'd rank it among Rush albums but still listening every once in awhile to give it time to settle in my mind. Rush appear very inspired on this album, helped a lot by their new choice of producer in Nick Raskulinecz who is a die-hard Rush can. Watching "The Game of Snakes and Arrows" which documents the creation of the album shows us a happy group recording music they are proud to be making, working over the course of 5 weeks using mostly acoustic instruments. Far Cry ended up being the most well known from this disc, described by Geddy as a "really good day", although Workin Them Angels also enjoyed a bit of success as a single as well. The Larger Bowl and Faithless each have great things going on lyrically, the latter also featuring an interesting main riff and great solo section towards the end. Armor and Sword and Spindrift are favourites of mine as well,I love that it gets a bit heavier and was a highlight during this album's tour. Malignant Narcissism was the last song written for the album, on a whim when Geddy received a fretless bass at the studio after all else has been recorded. Peart's drums had already been removed, causing him to record on a 3 piece kit for the first time possibly ever! The Main Monkey Business is the longest instrumental and uses 2 or 3 different riffs to great effect, staying interesting the entire time. The remaining tracks aren't essential for me, especially The Way the Wind Blows which goes on too long, and We Hold On which is just the one riff and not much else. This is still a very inspired album for a band 35 years into their career, certainly worth hearing if you've somehow missed it or giving a try if you haven't yet. 8/10