Rush - Snakes and Arrows

This week I picked up the new Rush disc, Snakes & Arrows (2007)which has to be like the billionth Rush album. Like AC/DC,Rush is a band that has lasted for decades due to a singular commitment to a unique sound. The winning sound is a sort of Cream style power trio with virtuoso musicians and prog rock tendencies. Their sound has evolved over the years and adapted to new styles, yet the lyrical themes of hard won individuality set to a driving bass line, slashing / shimmering guitars and rapid fire drumwork still holds up.

Best of all, Rush has managed to retain their focus on tightly structured performances. They've managed to deliver an album that shows a touch of restraint and refinement yet remain a rock band. Re-energized coming off their covers EP Feedback (2004), the band sounds driven and conmfortable in the best of possible ways.

The disc features the lead track, "Far Cry", a traditional style Rush first single not too far removed from classics like "Subdivisions" or "Force Ten". A fast beat, Geddy Lee's shrieky vocals and some great instrumental interplay make the song memorable. Other highlights include the guitar driven instrumental "The Main Monkey Business" and the vaguely "YYZ"ish "Malignant Narcissism". Rush dips into some blues influence for the first time since the 70's on the strong "The Way The Wind Blows". My personal favorite on the disc is "Faithless", a great song about self determination of positive moral values.

This Rush is a big improvement over the nu-metal influenced Vapor Trails (2002) as that album was too brittle sounding. Like Tool's left overs, it seemed to try to hard to be relevant. Snakes & Arrows finds Rush motivated to carry on with the same vision and vigor they have had for the past 3 decades. Their approach still has enough flashy technical wankering to keep most fans happy, but it has been tempered by maturity. The lyrics theme (Keeping hope alive in the face of serious spirtual or political strife)are relevant and thought provoking.

Rush play with natural empathy that comes from ages of playing together. Geddy Lee, Neal Peart and Alex Lifeson remain on top of their game, with Lifeson even showing some hints of alternative rock in his guitar noodling. It's hard to believe a band this age doesn't sound tired, but Rush continues their legacy with another strong album. To check out the video for "Far Cry", just click below!