FLY BY NIGHT

While the debut album created a stir among hard rock and heavy metal fans, Rush began to experiment with what would become their trademark sound. Heavy bass guitar, Screeching vocals, pounding riffs, sick rhythms; the band had created something of interest.

1.Anthem - The most hard-rocking of all the numbers, the opening is considered a classic among others. The proto-metal guitar riff is augmented by sick drumming from master newbie Neil Peart, who would become on of the best all-time drummers and lyricists, and hard-hitting basslines and shrieks from Geddy Lee; whose trademark Rickenbacker 4001 was already in place. Interesting lyrics, as they are much more thoughtful than the debut, and overall an excellent composition. (10/10)

2.In the End - Probably the most Led Zeppelin off of the album, it's an interesting hard rock track. The lyrics are about trying to make it big; as the band were trying to do at the time. The song is a bit unmemorable because it's a bit dull, but the energy is still there. (7.5/10)

3.Beneath, Between & Behind - Another hard-rocking number, this one is bit more progressive in composition than the least. The interesting guitar riff solitifies the band on the heavy prog boat, and the lyrics are totally different than anything than the band had done before. Peart's drumming is amazing on this track, as he makes an odd beat work; with fashion. (8.5/10)

4.By-tor and the Snowdog - The fourth track on this album is a masterpiece, as the band pull out one of their all-time best compositions. Lee's bassline sets for the symphonic and metal guitar riffs of Alex Lifeson and the amazing percussion of Peart. The band experiments with sound effects, delays and phasers to make an almost psychedelic experimental middle passage, and a delicate section soon follows and flows into the opening riff. The lyrics are well sung from Lee, who was still trying to find out where his voice belonged. An intense track, to say the least. (10/10)

5.Fly By Night - Though not the proggiest of the numbers on the album, it's still an excellent hard rock song. The riff from Lifeson is immortal, as it's simple yet catchy. Vocal melodies from Lee are excellent, as are his powerful basslines. Pearts drumming and lyrics are very different from any pop rock stuff on the radio, which makes it unique in that honor. A standout of instrumentation and prowess. (9.5/10)

6.Making Memories - Easily the weakest of the tracks, as it sounds like something from 1969 or 1970. The songs lyrics are probably the worst part, as the instrumentation from the band is excellent; albiet; a bit bored and emotion-less. The song is very groovy despite it's short-comings, but it's almost skip worthy. (6.5/10)

7.Rivendell - The song, one of my favourite ballads from the band, is totally underrated and oddly placed at the bottom of their songs list. The song, excellent vocals and acoustic guitar, are based on Tolkien, who has inspired many, many progressive rock bands and their lyrics. The song is almost an acid trip, as the lyrics can set you into a mindset of complete peace with oneself. An odd, yet delicate ballad. (8/10)

8.In the End - The closing track to this fine album is another homage to Led Zeppelin and their music. The song itself is very well written, and could only be described as a plodding mini-epic. Lifesons acoustic then electric guitars are the high-point of the song, as are the dramatic vocals and lyric from Lee, as he pounds the bass strings on this song and adds another dimension to the song. Pearts drumming is some of his finest on this song, as he plays with such emotion and power. An excellent track and closing. (8.5/10)

Though their are still moments of Zeppelin and weakness, this album is extremely consistent and well played for such young musicians, I would give this a 3.5 stars, but I rounded it up to a 4 because it's such an intense listen and will always have great songs. I would definatly recommend it to any experience Zeppeline listener or heavy progressive rock lover.