HEMISPHERES

Along with 1977's A Farewell To Kings Hemispheres is indisputably Rush's most Progressive effort, characterised by the Heavy Metal epics that bookend it. The anxiously awaited Book II of the Cygnus X-1 series Hemispheres certainly doesn't disappoint, an epic tale of space voyage and Greek mythology no guilt should be felt in comparing this to 2112. The closer La Villa Strangiato appropriately subtitled An Exercise In Self-Indulgence is a technical masterpiece, one of the rare occasions on which almost ten minutes seems too short for an entirely instrumental track. The shorter pieces sandwiched between Hemispheres and La Villa are well worthy of celebration too, structurally reminiscent of A Farewell To Kings from the previous album The Trees is a lighthearted narrative of rivalry in nature, perhaps a third Tolkien-tinged track from Rush? Circumstances too is a snappy storyteller, this time Peart relives his adventures as a young musician seeking out success in London, Prog-depth is added by an unexpected Moog solo where one would normally expect to find a Lifeson guitar lead. Incredibly Rush have once again hit the nail directly on the head; pure perfection.