SNAKES & ARROWS

My first impression of this album was rather indifferent. It stylistically and sonically returns to the previously visited territory of Presto and Roll the Bones and not to Hemispheres as the first few bars of the album might make you expect.

But did you ever hear a Rush album that you fully appreciated at first listen? No, I don't think so and this one is no exception. With every listen you get dragged in deeper in its enchanting realm. With the exception of some nasty choruses and modulations, the songs are simply stunning. Ok there's the all too frequent legion of overdubbed Geddys ooh'ing and ah'ing all through the album, but even so, it all sounds beautifully rich and powerful. We could only wish that this album's producer gets his hands on the Vapor Trails master and reveals the true potential of that album. He's doing a real fine job here.

Originally I would have rated this 4 stars but I was quickly tired of playing this album. Maybe, if I'm in a bigger Rush mood I'll upgrade it again. 3.5 stars