SNAKES & ARROWS

I've been a dedicated Rush fan since "Fly by Night" and have watched all the phases of their evolution in the 30 years since. Some phases were better than others but I've enjoyed them all. This is the darkest and most brooding and dangerous sound they've had! Like watching a desert monsoon rolling in, it is scary and exhilarating at the same time and it gave me chills! (a favorite Rush reaction I've not had in years.) Then just in time, a single ray of sunshine comes shining through the storm clouds with Lifeson's beautiful Bouzouki solo "Hope". Though I long for Alex's guitar Pyrotechnic insanity of his earlier work, I'm finally understanding where he's going with the layered soundscapes he's been creating in recent projects. And such beautiful and mind shearing insanity it is on cuts like We hold on and Malignant Narcisssism. Sit down, turn it up LOUD and give this one a dedicated listen.I don't care what Rush phase is your favorite, this is one BADASS album!