PRESENTS OF MIND

In my recent review of Fence the Clear I called that album their best by far. I also stated that FtC is the album out of the four releases that least resambles Rush. This one however is a different story. This album is more straightforward in my opinion and the songs are less original and complex than on FtC.

This doesn´t necessarily mean this album is much less in quality and overall feel, I think this is another very fine release by Tiles but it´s not as good as its predecessor. Again I can agree with the recent rating average of exactly 4.00 right now.

The general sound of this album is a bit rougher than FtC sounded. And therefore much more like Rush. Because of the different vocals (Rarick is better than Lee to me) and difference in composition style I don´t think Tiles is a clone of Rush. But the resemblance is obviously there. And there is also connection. This album is produced in Toronto by Terry Brown who of course got famous with Rush in the period 1975/1982. And that is remarkable since Tiles is an American and not a Canadian band.

Highlights on this album are Reasonable Doubt and Safe Procedures. The other songs are good/very good. No surprise I give this one the full 4 stars, I guess. Needless to say it´s recommended for Rush fans besides Tiles fans of course.