A SHOW OF HANDS

Even though I prefer the 1977-1981 period, I'm a big fan of the so-called synthesizer era. Signals is on my top 5 and I really liked GUP and PWi (but not much HYF). That being said, A Show of Hand was recorded mostly during the Hold you Fire tour. We can hear it quickly and unfortunately it's not for the best in my opinion.

Everything sounds very cold and Instruments used by the band during that time have a lot to do with it. Alex was using Signature Guitars with active pickups and Gallien-Kruger solid state amp. His sound is unpleasant with too much high frequency and not enough warm (not to mention too much reverb).

Same thing with Geddy. His Steinberger bass with active pickups lacks the punch of his old Rickenbacker 4001 or the bottom of his Fender Jazz bass. Synthesizers are also different. In Subdivision and Wich Hunt, it's obvious Geddy no longer uses his Oberheim analog synth, but rather a bunch of digital synthesizer and sampler that takes away the special mood of these two classics.

Songs list could have been better too. Closer to the Heart brings nothing new and many of the best songs from this era are missing : Prime Mover, Middletown Dreams, The Analog Kid, The Weapons, Kid Glove, Between the wheels, etc. Of course, there are great moments (Marathon, The Mission, Distant Early Warning and The Rhythm Method), but it's not enough.

Of all Rush live albums, this is the least interesting and the most forgettable. Many fans will not agree with me, sorry. Score : 2,5 /5