SNAKES & ARROWS

What do you do when it seems the majority of people were dissatisfied with your last album? You make the next album better. Rush seem to be pretty good at, with the most famous case being the poorly-recieved "Caress of Steel" 1975, and then 7 months later they pop by the label office and say "Oh yeah, just to let you guys know, we're awesome" and drop off "2112" in the process. While I feel the basic principle is the same in these latter days, it's execution was...not in possession of that prior youthful vigor. Taking about 3 DVDs, 2 greatest hits, 1 live album, 1 EP, an anniversiary tour and about 5 years -and a bunch of travel guides from Neil Peart- their next album was finally released, but it was worth the wait. Anyway, this album has what I love- cohesiveness. You'll be hard pressed to find me only listening to a few songs off of this album because it flows so well, I just end up leaving it on until the end. Even 5 years older, Rush STILL rocks harder than bands a quarter of their age. The production is crisp and vibrant. That producer dude they keep talking about really did a great job. "Snakes & Arrows" features a lot more acoustic instruments (in every song), which I find particularly enjoyable. Like usual, the band's performance is top-notch, probably having just recuperated from Feedback. Also, they bring out some old friends, like those Taurus pedals and a mellotron. A freaking mellotron. Sweet. You'll have to listen carefullly to actually find them, but when you do, you'll realize how nicely they complement the music without being too easily noticeable. Alex Lifeson also brings out a mandolin, mandola and bouzouki. Neil Peart's lyrics are great, rather pointed and direct about his feelings and views (what else is new?) on religion and stuff.

One bit that has most Rush fans drooling are the presence of three (!) instrumentals. Perhaps they learned their history lesson and are now three times more likely to win a grammy. The Main Monkey Business is pretty much amazing- something only Rush could pull off live. This one will surely be right up there with YYZ and La Villa Strangiato as awesome Rush instrumentals. The second one is Hope, an Alex Lifeson penned acoustic piece that's nice and pretty. Malignant Narcissism is probably one of the most fun Rush songs where Geddy and Neil just rock about and Alex fills the gaps with with guitar. It's energetic and has a sweet bass line- I hope they play this one live.

So in case you haven't already figured it out, this a great Rush album. It may take a little getting used to, but that's where the biggest reward comes from. Even though it took a while to release the follow-up to "Vapor Trails", Rush still has it in them.

Standout songs: "Armor And Sword," "The Main Monkey Business," "We Hold On