FLY BY NIGHT

This is the first widely popular rush album, and I find several reasons to enjoy it. But, I don't enjoy it. Much at all, really.

They rely so heavily on somewhat complex hard rock, that it damages the overall diversity, not to mention the hard rock can feel quite plain at times, and Geddy wants to be the best Plant he can.

Still, album opener Anthem is a damn highlight. The rocking bass throbs set to Lifeson's blazing guitar soloing halfway through. It is a punching introduction. But, they lose it. Best I Can is plain and plodding hard rock. I swear I heard Led Zeppelin do this very song, before...

Beneath, Between and Behind features everyone in a completely different rock tone, that just so happens to be exactly the same. The wet atmosphere employed within is already faltered enough without them resorting to a small fashion of stagnation. Nothing is out and out bad, though. If you like hard rock, you could find a great deal to enjoy. The album's Epic in the shape of By-Tor is the main showing of progression inherent in Rush's formula. Still, it evokes very little emotion in me. I can't get any feeling out of any of these songs. To me, they feel like slightly more complex than normal hard rock, that just so happens to sing about science fiction and popular novels.

I also sense a real lack of band cohesion. Everyone seems to be going on to do their own things, and it gives the album a very disjointed sensation that doesn't come off well. By Tor could easily be the best example, as it attempts complexity with sordid shavings and fills and solo spots tossed in. this is the work of a good band, but it is messy work. The title track was a dandy radio hit, and perhaps best showcased the near direction of the future. Somewhat technical hard rock, with Geddy's high register, containing a rather catchy chorus. True, this album is more a case of "a sign of things to come" rather than a fully fleshed out and powerful musical statement. They rely too heavily on standard rock formula to appeal to a sense of depth or progression. Making Memories is hardly memorable, and I could easily apply the filler tag. It's saving grace is a nice main rhythm.

Rivendell, which is what I'd assume to be the requisite Lord of the Rings reference, follows suit of Making Memories, and fails to impress me. The main melodies leave a great deal to be desired, and the songs are plain without applying a real sense of need in the bare bones nature of it. Finally, In The End closes in much the way it has been for the past few substandard songs. Geddy hardly utilizes the majesty of his voice, and I ask the point of it. Also, no one here really shines through with the full grasp of their respective instruments.

This is a fine album, and a pretty good one from a hard rock perspective, but it shakes no boundaries, nor does it amaze or inspire. I was not able to cull any deep emotional enjoyment form the experience, and the second half of the album is just weak. They rely too heavily on Zeppelin style hard rock to let their own talent shine through their influence. You are left with a sign of future greatness, mixed together with a couple highlights.

Best Moment - Anthem

Worst Moment - The second half

** stars

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