Album Review

Rush – Snakes and Arrows

• 22nd May 2007

Next year Rush will have been together as a band for forty years! There are historic buildings in the world younger than that.

They’re marking the event with a new album that belies the band’s age.

‘Snakes and Arrows’ kicks off with ‘Far Cry’ a song that begins with a Metallica sounding sombre, pounding intro. It soon lifts off and lightens a little with Geddy Lee’s impassioned vocals. It’s an accessible slice of rock in the old school tradition.

The title track is a little less satisfactory than ‘FarCry’ but it still rocks and contains more than its fair share of mouth watering guitar licks.

This is a polished act at the height of their game, knocking out riffs, fills and thrills with practised ease. Geddy Lee’s vocals are as crystal clear and youthful now as they’ve ever been.

Of course this is 2007, and while Rush were once considered a Progressive Rock band, it’s not a label you can attach to this album. It’s more like a moment captured in time.

Fans of the three chord hope-for-the-best school of rock that’s currently in session would do well to listen to Alex Lifeson’s guitar work on this album. Plenty of lessons to be learned here – although those prone to bouts of riff envy may be left feeling a little inadequate.

There are few things in life you can guarantee, but when it comes to dependability and consistency, it’s nice to know that bands like Rush are still out there plying their trade.

Well worth a listen.