CARESS OF STEEL

Following the artsy dabbling done on "Fly by Night", Rush upped the ante with two extended songs on their next album which show their burgeoning experimentation-- both of which don't really pay off. Instead of a tight, solid album like "FBN", we have a somewhat messy smattering of songs with the band playing well, but seemingly confused with what they're playing.

The chugging opening of "Bastille Day" withstanding, there really isn't much to get excited about with this release. "...Going Bald" and "Lakeside Park" don't offer anything new and are actually somewhat regressive when juxtaposed to prior awesomeness. As for the epics themselves, "Necromancer's" fantasy-inspired lyrics and goofy voice-overs are redeemed by some excellent guitar work by Alex and the central instrumental section, but "Fountain of Lamneth" can't sustain its almost 20-minute length. Its movements don't flow together very well and its themes are difficult to grasp; however, it isn't without its instrumental merits, and Geddy does have a few beautiful vocal moments as well.

All in all, "Caress of Steel" remains one for the fans, and holds up to an occasional listen every now and again.

Songwriting: 2 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 2 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2