SNAKES & ARROWS

I'm sitting here cracking my knuckles and doing some finger exercises to get all limber to review the new album by Rush. I've had this for quite a while, spun it numerous times and had time to really digest it. Speaking to some who have had personal contact with Alex and Geddy and hearing how proud they were of this album (Alex is quoted to have said that 'we have just made the album of our careers'), the days and months leading up to it's release were some of the most anticipated that I've had for a new Rush album since Signals. And although I don't view Snakes And Arrows as being on par with albums like 2112, Hemispheres, and Moving Pictures, Rush returns in 2007 triumphantly.

First and foremost, the production surpasses that of it's predecessor, Vapor Trails, by leaps and bounds. Very crisp and razor sharp, Snakes And Arrows is sonically one of the better albums I've heard...and probably the best disc regarding sound since Marillion's Marbles. The only thing that I can live without, which has been a staple in Rush's music for quite some time, is the layering of Geddy's vocals to the extent that it sounds like a choir of Geddies. I would prefer to see that toned back a bit.

As for the songs, these are some of Rush's best in a long time. I see these as less introspective as Vapor Trails, and more of a social and global commentary, in regards to the lyrics. Structurally, Lifeson is back and he's back with a vengence! I miss his solos on Vapor Trails, and he pulls off some true magic on this disc (The solo on "The Larger Bowl" is exquisite.) Absolutely beautiful work on "Armor and Sword", especially. He is one of those rare guitarists that adds such subtle nuances to a song, but without these little ambient sounds would be a detrament to the song. Additionally, it's nice to hear a lot of acoustic guitar throughout.

As for the other two, Peart seems to have backed off of some of the flashy fills and intricate patterns--I would like to see him let loose more often. Maybe it's the sign of a true master concentrating on telling a story with his playing rather than showing how fast he can move about the kit. Geddy still astounds on the bass; however, his vocals are very smooth and as powerful as ever. I can actually hear flashes of the higher octaves from his younger days on songs like "Spindrift" (the beginning sounds like something from 2112) and "Bravest Face".

I would like to conclude by stating that I've seen a lot of positive feedback for Snakes and Arrows. Unfortunately, I've seen a lot of negative remarks. I'm not sure what you guys want or are expecting, but this is an always altering band not content to remaining still. What we have in this new disc are 3 of the most amazing musicians coming together and creating sounds that challenge and stimulate. In my opinion, I think this is the best Rush album since Power Windows. I'd give it 4.25/5 stars.