Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 14, 2007 21:41:29 GMT -5
RUSH – SNAKES & ARROWS (Atlantic) Rush’s eighteenth studio album, Snakes & Arrows, shows that the Canadian progressive rockers are again at the top of their game. Rush picks up right where they left off five years ago on their last studio album, Vapor Trails, roaring with a vengeance over this album’s baker’s dozen tracks. Rush sounds more focused than ever, efficiently using their complex musicianship to craft dynamic, concise and intelligent songs that deliver more impact with each listen. Neal Peart’s drumming again is intricate yet intense, his detailed beats pounding with force and authority. Alex Lifeson’s guitar work steps up the tension and angst at just the right moments to wrench the maximum effect out of each song; he also shows more of an acoustic presence here, including an acoustic instrumental called “Hope,” and even breaking out mandolin and bouzouki. These instrumental dynamics serve as the vibrant backdrop to bassist/frontman Geddy Lee’s reserved voice, singing Peart’s thoughtful lyrics about keeping faith and hope in today’s troubled times. The opening track and first single, “Far Cry,” acknowledges today’s messed up world, but resolves to not give up on it. “Armor and Sword” considers how blind faith in any belief system can lead to distortion and detriment; while the tempestuous “Spindrift” ponders holding onto faith and hope against the stormy winds and crashing waves of a disagreement. The blues-underscored “The Way the Wind Blows” compares current times with the Crusades of the Dark Ages, as religious fanaticism leads to war. “Faithless” and the album closer “We Hold On” champion holding onto one’s own beliefs and not being swayed in the face of adversity. Besides Lifeson’s acoustic instrumental, Rush gives us two other instrumentals as well, the exploring and adventurous “The Main Monkey Business” and the harder and booming “Malignant Narcissism.” Producer Rick Raskulinecz allows Rush’s sound to be busy and detailed without being cluttered, so every component of the band’s arsenal serves each melody. He and Rush frequently find that fine line between control and chaos, and ride that line to maximum impact. Although the prevailing sound is full and thunderous, this album can also comfortably sound gentle and tranquil when it needs to. Snakes & Arrows blends bracing music and intelligent lyrical themes into a tight and focused package. This album is a stimulating listen from start to end, and is as strong an effort as Rush has put out since their Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures period.