All right folks, gather round for my debut as a writer for Vexar Entertainment. Today, we're going to check the newest release from one of my all-time favorite trios, Rush's "Snakes and Arrows."
The album starts off with the first released single, "Far Cry", a strong track if you're a true rock music fan. This track offers what Rush fans love; strong rhythm sections, beautiful melodies, and strong transitions. "Working Them Angels" provides a heavy-ballad feel reminiscent of songs like "Animate" or "Nobody's Hero." "The Main Monkey Business" brings something that most Rush fans don't hear from them, a middle eastern vibe. This change of pace does show that the band can continue reinventing themselves and keep the fans guessing. Finally, I'll wrap up the track reviews with the latest radio release, "Faithless", which I feel has the best shot at a Top 20 rock hit. This song matches the feel of the tracks off the lastest studio efforts "Test for Echo" and "Vapor Trails".
While I feel this album is overall good, it's missing what made Rush rock gods. Halfway into this album, I realize I'm missing a dying trend in modern rock music, the guitar solos. Alex Lifeson doesn't provide the listeners with too many solid solos, this is more acoustic guitar with distorted guitar chiming in for the choruses or occasional emphasised syncopation with the drums. In all honesty, the entire band has 'dumbed down' what made them rock gods. Neil Peart's drumming is near the standard of his glory days, and Geddy Lee's bass lines are pretty much the same way. In fact, the only thing that makes this album Rush, is the most identifiable voice in rock, Geddy Lee. Overall, I believe this album is a good effort with some solid songs, but doesn't exactly make the band.
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