VAPOR TRAILS

Stripped to the bone, this album really blows your mind. This is sheer energy in a box. The guitars are crisp and well defined - Alex Lifeson riffing and soloing like the guitar-god he is. Charging, headlong bass runs counterpoint the guitar and add real depth to the musical lines. Geddy Lee gives it his all both instrumentally and vocally. Even with the synths gone, this is technical prog-rock at its finest.

As for Neil Peart. Well, I have a new found respect for him after the personal tragedies he experienced. It is testimony to his strength of character that he has come through it all, virutally relearning how to play the drums in the process. You should read his books to get a real perspective on what he went through and how this album very personally relates a difficult period of his life.

I won't do a song by song critique here because they are all too good. They are all strong, well written and expertly performed. Rush are back and better than ever. This is another masterpiece by them, as are their two recent live outings.