HEMISPHERES

Definitely their most coneptually ambitious album, the third part of the trilogy they started with 2112 is a very rewarding heavy prog experience (their label on this site, and this is the album that I think best falls under that category) full of ideas and impressive playing. The Hemisphere suite, which sounds more like one long continous song than any other of their epics, is a very deep composition that reveals itself more upon repeated listening. It has some truly interesting musical ideas, with great use of motifs (even from the previous album!) and Pearts' lyrics have moved into a new realm of philosophical artistry here. The other hemisphere of the album is equally interesting, with the odd-timed yet highly infectuous "Circumstances" leading things off into "The Trees", a great societal allegory with nice acoustic work from Lifeson and really good moog work from Lee. "La Villa Stragiato" closes things out in the form of "an exercise in sefl-indulgence" according to the liner notes that turns out to be their one of their best instrumentals, and probably the best example of their playing ability as soloists and as a working band, as well as for the many styles they have mastered. Easily one of their best albums, and a masterpiece of progressive rock.