FEARLESS

Practice and emulation pays off for self-described Rush worshippers Kevin Comeau and Cody Bowles with this, the closest I've ever heard to capturing the purity and distinctiveness of Rush's great 2112.

1. "Starlifter: Fearless Pt. II" (18:00) Rush 2112, sprinkled with a little Triumph, Thin Lizzy, Nazareth, Ozzie, and even Carlos Nakai. Despite the band's acknowledgement of having grown up feeding off of 15-second sound bites, they have done quite an admirable job of holding onto the motifs of their 18-minute suite for more suitable lengths--which is much more in line with what we Baby Boomers are used to and looking for. Also, they've done quite a remarkable job of stringing them together rather seamlessly while somehow making each and every theme interesting and enjoyable. And, despite its obvious imitation of Rush, the music is all very fresh and original sounding. A top three song. (32/35)

2. "Dreamer of the Dawn" (4:03) a song that sounds a bit like GUNS 'N' ROSES with some RUSH basics, but as Cody's vocals and drumming go on I'm feeling that we're experiencing a new, though retro-oriented, sound. (8.875/10)

3. "The Shadow" (3:44) a song that effortlessly conjures up ancient masters of the classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal genre including KISS, TRIUMPH, DEF LEPPARD, and, of course, THE SCORPIONS' "Rock You Like a Hurricane." (8.75/10)

4. "Right Way Back" (3:51) Cody's heavily-effected voice in the verses makes this obvious RUSH song different--more LED ZEPPELIN/ROBERT PLANT-like--but then his laid back approach in the chorus sections makes me think so much of the seemingly-effortless genius and maturity of a young PETRI WALLI of 1990s Finnish psychedelic rockers, Kingston Wall, as well as, somehow, PRINCE. WE may be listening to two individuals for whom music is as essential to their being--to their every breath--as the aforementioned talents (both of whom I believe were conduits of the flow of a force from a source far greater than any corporeal human). (8.875/10)

5. "Context: Fearless Pt. I" (7:49) I like the chance for Kevin to to showcase his bass and guitar skills on this one, otherwise, I'm not sure how this song serves to "set up" the context of who Fearless is and what s/he stands for. Great RUSH-like timing. (13.33333/15)

6. "Reflections" (5:43) a bit of a stylistic departure from the Rush scene on this one--at least, insofar as the vocals and verses; the choruses are all Rush. (8.66667/10)

7. "Penny" (3:43) solo acoustic guitar! And an instrumental! Impressive (and ballsy--because it's so old-school)! And then to build a whole radio-play length out of it. (8.66667/10)

8. "Lady of the Lake" (5:06) more acoustic guitar but this one you know is leading up to a full-on rock anthem. RUSH and LED ZEPPELIN playing together (not sure who's singing: Geddy or Robert). Great classic construct, chords, playing style, and bluesy singing. Wow! Does this bring one back to the 1970s! Reminds one of how amazing music and sound was back then. Great song--rated up for amazing nostalgia effect. A top three song, to be sure. (9.5/10)

9. "Citadel" (5:52) plaintive piano play opens this song--reminding me of the genius that was Freddie Mercury when Cody enters to sing. This is not a Geddy Lee vocal, no sir, it's one that could compare with the greatest of the greats: Robert Plant, Steve Perry, Klaus Meine (The Scorpions), and, of course, Ozzie. A masterful imitation of a classic rock ballad. My other top three song. (9.75/10)

Total Time 57:51

Kevin and Cody are definitely among the greatest masters of "old style" rock 'n' roll music I've ever heard: talents that will not go unheard!

A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of progressively-blended classic hard rock music--on a skill level that you rarely see achieved in the 21st Century. Highly recommended to any old-school prog rock lover.