PERMANENT WAVES

Rush moves into the 80's, taking with them all they have learned from their prog forefathers Yes, King Crimson & ELP and fusing it with the dynamic new electro sound of the decade. Still, however, they cling to their hard rock influences as well, Alex Lifeson refusing to give up his love of virtuoso soloing. So, Rush are still very much a heavy prog band, but nevertheless, they are moving more and more towards that 80's new wave sound.

"The Spirit Of Radio", for Freaks & Geeks fans at least, is one of their most recognisable songs, and even though it's still very guitar-oriented, with it's mesmerising riff, it almost has a Queen-esque AOR feel to it. An excellent tune, with some strong lyrics & vocal belting from Geddy. "Freewill" is much more a traditional Rush hard rocker, feeling like it could have been lifted from the first few albums, and it's pretty great. "Jacob's Ladder" starts to get a little more atmospheric, & electronic, with the band still flexing their prog muscles. "Entre Nous" is one of my favourites, slow and involving. "Different Strings" is another obligatory slow number, a charming tune. And then "Natural Science" is another hybrid of 70's prog & Rush's new direction, but is an excellent prog opus.

So, still clinging to old values, this is more or less the last Rush album of it's kind, as for the next few they would really alter their sound, and move off in new exciting directions. But as a "last hurrah" for the classic era, it couldn't be better. Fantastic songs, brilliant riffs & solos, strong songwriting & vocals, and of course incredible drumming. Another classic.