2112

The first truly progressive work from the great band Rush. The title track is a classic in all aspects and I still remeber how strong was the impact this release had at the time. Up till then the band was considered a competent, above average power trio, but little more. With 2112 everybody started to take them more seriously. They really spread their wings in here, not only musically, but also showing they had a lot to say.

2112, the epic, was based on sci fic story written by Ayn Rand, was the first tune to actually feature a synthesizer sound (albeit used only for effects). It was a total departure from their previous stuff and no one at the time could tell if it would work. Fortunalty for the band it sold 100.000 copies on the first week of its release. It paved the way for even greater things in the future. It is still a impressive piece of work for a band that was still called 'little Zeppelin' at the time (they would be no more). Is anybody interested about the prog metal influences?

Second side is not that different, some songs bearing the earlier sound, something closer to Caress Of Steel (which was, by the way, an improvement over Fly By Night). Passage to Bangcock being a proof they could hadle more styles than most would believe and Tears is an interesting slow ballad.

All in all this is much more than a transitional record. it was a fantastic leap forward for such a new band. It is one of the truly classic stuff by Rush and much more was to follow. 4,5 stars at least.