RUSH

The first record released by the canadian prog act by excelence, and probably one of the most oustanding ones in the whole genre is purely an execution of the band influences, like it is usual in many debut efforts. In this case, the references are obvious: Led Zeppelin and other bads of the so called "White Blues", many of them contemporaries of Rush themselves.

This record finds Geddy Lee's trademark high-pitched voice at the submit of its splendor, although I have personal preference of the style provided in later years. The first moments of "Finding my Way" prevent the listener from any kind of doubt.

Alex Lifeson, like in almost every single record until "Signals" (and from the mid 90s until now), is really big here, with his trademark consistent, Jimmy Page influenced soloing and elegantly sustained chorus sound. No wonder why "Working man" has one of the so considered best solos in rock history.

As for John Rutsey, he obviously is no Neil Peart, but I think he was a quite competent drummer with an edge on his own.

This record, in overall terms is quite below the level of complexity and elaboration the band would achieve from "2112" onwards, but I think it is a good listen for any Rush fan and if you like classic rock in general. Some tracks are just plain blues oriented rock and roll, but I guess this could be expected from a young band developing on this era.