PERMANENT WAVES

With the release of this album Rush moved further along the technology driven path that defines their 80s work. There is also a lyrical shift as they begin to address more real world matters than the sci-fi/fantasy elements in their earlier work. They also reached a wider audience thanks to the radio-friendly "The Spirit Of Radio" which is now a mainstay of the rock compilation album scene. It is a well structured rocker which retains its progressiveness thanks to a couple of nifty time changes.

"Freewill" likewise rocks along and keeps the feet tapping, whilst "Entre Nous" and "Different Strings" set an altogether quieter, mellower mood. Just as well after the brooding majesty of "Jacob's Ladder", an epic which builds to a crescendo with the force of the storm that it describes. The album closes with another epic in the shape of "Natural Science" and its intelligent thought-provoking lyrics about how "Science, like nature / Must also be tamed".

In all another classic from the masters of hi-tech rock and a must have in any prog collection.

PS Anyone else buy this on tape with a sleeve that lists "Entre Nous" as track 1 side 2, and "Between Us" as track 2 side 2? :-)