BIG PICTURE

Despite the supposed influences and references, this album sounds like Rush from the "Signals"/"Grace Under Pressure" period. Scott Pieper's lead vocals sound remarkably like Geddy Lee, and his guitar most often sounds like an imitation of Alex Lifeson. Throw in compositions that borrow amply from Rush's late seventies and early eighties, a drummer who has obviously studied Neil Peart's fills, and some Rushlike keyboard fills, and you've got a pretty good Rush clone. All that's missing is an astounding bass player.

The first song, Shine On is the only piece that doesn't sound much like Rush. With some grandiose keyboards, and a slinky rhythm, it sounds most like Yes' Wurm. But after that, it's Rush to the finish.

By the way, I played this for two Rush fanatics, and they both loved it.

The first song called Shine On is rescuing this boring album and makes me wonder how I'm gonna get back the 45 minutes I wasted. No, I must accept it: those minutes are gone forever.

The instrumentals moments are too few, but they could've been awesome since the sound of the 80's Rush is well reproduced. Instead, Big Picture is serving us an hybrid monster of Marillion and REO Speedwagon. Which means? Kevin Cronin vocals, Steve Rothery solos and such pastiches...again.

Somewhat this album could interest the die-hardcore-fans-who-would-do-anything-to-hear- more-80's-Rush since the song Shine On is becoming one of my favorites these days. Too bad the rest of the album is so gruelly boring and tacky.

I was curious, I listened, I sighed.