CARAVAN / BU2B

Rush have long been known for their instrumental prowess and precision, as well as their heavier outlook on the progressive rock sound. Over 40 years, the band developed into a massive force in the genre, attracting millions of fans and millions of record sales. Today, the band is still able to flesh out killer tracks. Three years after the band's 18th studio record "Snakes & Arrows", the first single for their 19th album "Clockwork Angels" was released, Caravan, with the B-Side BU2B. The tracks have a crisp production and a precise execution. The song have a harder edge as well, with a more hard rock feel than anything else. Both tracks are superb, and set up the forthcoming album with great suspense.

Caravan opens with a quiet atmosphere and back tracks of the main riff, before exploding into an amazing display of progressive hard rock. The main riff of the song is infectious, with a slight avant quality that is Rush's and Rush's alone. Lee's soaring vocals really fit the growling music of this track, especially with the fantastic contrasts between the depth of Lifeson's guitar lines and Lee's vocal height. Each member works effortlessly together, as has been seen on countless other occasions, which is pretty incredible seeing as they have been making so much music for so long. Overall, the track is pretty incredible, combining all the classic elements of Rush with some fantastic new ones.

BU2B (acronym for Brought Up to Believe) is even harder than the previous track, with near metal riffs and harmonies. One of my favorite aspects of this track is the lyrics, with poignant messages of beliefs and philosophical problems of understanding. Away from Peart's genius at both rhythmic prowess and literary genius, the song truly fleshes out the amazing essence of Rush. Again, I can't wait for this album!

ALBUM OVERALL: Two magnificent tracks make up this single. That's really the only flaw, that there are only two tracks. The music is near flawless, albeit a little popularly leaning. The band really still has it in them to dish out more near-perfect music, making it truly understandable why this band will go down in music history as one of the greatest progressive bands in history. Although I usually auto-rate singles 3 stars because, well, they're only singles, I will make an exception for this superb single. 4 stars.

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