HOLD YOUR FIRE

I've found every Rush album to peak in it's enjoyment after a few listens. After maybe five listens, I'll be able to decide whether or not I love it or not. 'Hold Your Fire' however was an exception to that rule. At first, I found it too mellow and boring. But being it a release from one of my favourite bands, I forced myself to keep listening to it until I at least found something to enjoy about it. As I became more familiar with the music, I allowed myself to let the sounds wash over me, and to interpret the lyrics as they naturally came to me. I found myself pleasantly suprised at the result, which was a state of real enjoyment and liking for this album.

This is the most laid back and symphonic effort from Rush. The guitars do not play a huge role in here; instead making way for Geddy's keyboards and voice to lead the way. This isn't a hard rock album. This isn't even really such a prog album...

...But is there emotion? Yes. Is there intelligence? Yes. Do I find myself moved by it? I would certainly have to say so.

This is music that might take a bit more time to get into than most Rush fans are used to. The symphonic influence here is very profound. I'm sure if this was an album by a Symphonic band like Genesis or Yes, people would warm up to it more, because that's what they're expecting from a band like that. I suppose this release is progressive, if you take into consideration that although Rush is traditionally a heavy prog band, they were willing to explore symphonic rock and take risks. And isn't that what prog is all about?

This is an album with a toned down, yet very optimistic sound to it. It's music to listen to when feeling down and stressed; a piece of music to unwind to. That's what it was intended to be, and that's what it should be taken for.

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