SNAKES & ARROWS

Snakes & Arrows is definately a departure from Rush's previous works in many ways while also hearkening back to elements of many of thier past works. The result is a blending of styles and influences that serve to create something new and altogether different from what has come before.

Far Cry is a typical Rush tune. It is instantly recognizable as Rush and should receive siginificant radio airplay. It is probably the most accessible song on the album. The first time I heard it, my thoughts were: They're Back!!! The Hemispheres chord is cool. Some great wall of sound rhythm playing. No real guitar solo present. Oh well - Alex hasn't really been concentrating on guitar solos lately . . .

Armor and Sword. This song starts slow and very dark. The lyrics are amazing. I think it sets the tone for the whole album. Good catchy chorus "No one gets to their heaven without a fight". The song also sets the thematic tone for the album - religion. There are some good heavy riffs in here as well as some excellent changes. The dynamic range of this (and most of the stuff on this disc) is amazing. This song will reel you in and hold your interest.

Workin' Them Angels. I like this song. Geddy's vocals are extremely well done. Haven't heard him sound like this before. Once again, enjoyed the dynamic range and the changes.

The Larger Bowl. Starts slow. Good message. Great Lyrics. This may be another radio hit. I can see that. "Such alot of pain on the earth". Awesome guitar solo by Alex. Hmm - maybe he'll be more involved in this one than he has been recently . . .

Spindrift. I think this will be awesome live. Very intereesting piece of music. Hard to describe. There's alot going on here. Resolves into a nice chorus and builds and builds to a crecendo.

The Main Monkey Business. Alex Transcendent. Amazing piece of music. Best instrumental since YYZ. Very well crafted. Heavy riffs and great changes. Six minutes of total instrumental self indulgence. You have to hear it. There's no way to describe how good this is.

The Way the Wind Blows. Very Surprising. Alex plays the blues -- and he plays it very well. Stevie Ray type Blues shuffle to open. Back into more of a Rush sound and then back to the blues for an amazing solo. One of my favorite songs on the disc. "From the Middle East to the Middle West . . ."

Hope. Alex 12 string guitar instrumental. Very nice. Me like. Have been waiting for him to do something like this for a while.

Faithless. Mmore of a typical Rush opening. Great dynamic range to this song. "I've got my own moral compass to steer by . . ." Lyrics are amazing. Opening part resolves into a memorable chorus. I think this sums up Neil's personal philosophy in a similar way to Freewill.

Bravest Face. I really like Geddy's vocals on this one. Nice vibe and feeling throughout. I can hear the "feedback" influence on this one loud and clear. Very nice. "We might have precious little, but it's still precious . . ."

Good News First. I like it, but maybe not quite as much as some of the earlier stuff. Still undecided on this one.

Malignant Narcissism. Awesome instrumental. Only complaint is that it is too short!!! Not as colmplex as Monkey Business. Nice Bass and Drum breaks.

We Hold On. Good closing tune. Very strong chorus. Fits well with the previous instrumental.

In summary, I think this is Rush's best effort since Counterparts and I think it ranks up there with classics like Moving Pictures. The production values are excellent. Mastering is top notch.

My only real complaint is that it ends. It left me wanting more. 13 songs were not enough. I highly recommend giving it a listen through a quality pair of headphones - you'll be amazed at how good it sounds.