FLY BY NIGHT

Rush begin to take their compositions seriously, with Fly By Night, their second album. With persussion genius Neil Peart on board the band were at last able to challenge themselves and each other as musicians. This is not really a prog album, as it stays faithful to their rock 'n' roll roots, but it does have 'By-Tor and the snow dog' the first 'concept' track by Rush. At almost 9 minutes, 'BTATSD' moves through a series of musical chapters, describing battle netween good and evil. Its entertaining, is filled with classic Peart drumming, but is not to be taken too seriously. 'Athem' opens the album explosively and with a positivity that reassures the listerner that they have indeed moved on from their scatty, silly sounding debut album. There are great rock songs on 'FBN' notably 'Anthem' 'The best I can' and 'Beneath between and behind' Lifesons guitar sound is raw and his playing competent. The only song that doesn't quite hit the spot is 'Rivendell' This is a weak glimpse into the bands admiration for Tolkein, but despite it weakness it is certainly prophetic. A good second album for a young band. A good rock album.