COUNTERPARTS

With Rush's second 90's album, Counterparts, almost all of the synth and 80's cheesiness has been stripped away for a return to the more hard rock style of the 70's. Clearly this is a positive thing for Lifeson, whose role in the sound since Moving Pictures had diminished in favor of the keyboards.

Besides the harder rocking sound, the album also takes an slightly alternative approach, as seen in songs like 'Animate,' 'Stick It Out,' and 'Cut to the Chase.'

'Nobody's Hero' is a gentler ballad with some heartfelt lyrics from Peart. 'Between the Sun and Moon' is catchy as anything, and 'Alien Shore' has a great bass line from Geddy.

The second half is slightly weaker, except for the killer instrumental 'Leave That Thing Alone.' Counterparts is a dramatic turn of events for Rush, but a welcome one at that. While I can't help but think this doesn't have the same charm as their 70's albums, this is still a solid effort from a constantly changing band.

4/10