SIGNALS

"Signals" is among the best of the RUSH albums. For the first time here, Geddy Lee begins to use the keyboards quite more substantially than on the previous albums: so, the mood is much more fresh, accessible and modern, while absolutely being NOT pop nor easy; with "Signals", RUSH becomes a bit less progressive, but their music is still very refined and complex. Alex Lifeson developed, again, some IMPRESSIVE new electric guitar textures, partly removing the hard rock dimension so present on the previous albums. All the tracks on this album are definitely EXCELLENT! The short tracks formula prevail here, almost each having a VERY crafted melodic guitar solo. The rhythmic guitar sound is really refined and fits well with the background keyboards. Actually, the guitar here is quite less monolithic than on the previous records: it is just slightly more in the background, allowing room to the other instruments: that's why this record is very well balanced! The drums are OUTSTANDING, the cymbals parts are really impressive! Geddy Lee's bass is still excellent, very complex and restless. On the beautiful "Losing It", Ben Mink plays a poignant violin. "Countdown" contains excerpts from a NASA launching event.

EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED!