by Brian D. Holland.

Snakes & Arrows is the latest release from Canadian power trio Rush. Though it’s their first studio release since 2002s Vapor Trails, the band hasn’t been dormant by any means, especially in the DVD department. They released a covers EP-CD entitled Feedback in 2004, showing their ability to simply rock out in songs like Stephen Stills’ "For What It’s Worth", Jim McCarty’s "Shapes Of Things", and others. Also, The Spirit Of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974 - 1987 was released on CD (with bonus DVD) in 2003. Rush In Rio, released on both CD and DVD format in 2003, was the definitive concert experience from the perspective of the band’s extremely devoted South American fans. R30, their 30th Anniversary Tour DVD, was released shortly thereafter. Already an onslaught of Rush music for fans to grasp, the 4-disc Replay X 3 was released in 2006. With no shortage of recent live footage to go around, it’s the perfect segue into a new album and another tour for 2007.

Snakes & Arrows is a marvelous indication of just how tight and together the band is currently. The music is fresh and exciting, and the sound is massively full. It overflows with strong melody and sonic punch. There’s a lot of what fans expect, of course: the archetypal vocal sound, keyboard aptitude, and incredible bass lines of Geddy Lee; and Neil Peart’s massive percussive clamor, along with that incredible knack for imaginative lyric composition. Billboard magazine noted that Peart’s reflections on personal faith while journeying throughout North America via motorcycle inspired the lyrical content.

But the icing on the cake is Alex Lifeson’s massive guitar sound, layered with potent crunch and amazing diversity in tone, lots of quality acoustic work as well. "The Larger Bowl" is exemplary, with its layered rhythm tracks, arpeggio acoustic arrangement, intense chops, and amazing soloing. You can listen to many of the tracks endlessly and still pick out fresh segments and sounds missed early on. The chosen single, "Far Cry", rocks out solidly and forcefully, as does most of the album. There are three instrumental tracks on the album as well, which is unusual for Rush. The band, as a whole, has definitely evolved over the years, and they're not to be taken lightly. Though the album sits easily on a level with the most intricate works of King Crimson, Yes, and Dream Theater, it’s incredible that three people can sound so massive.

Snakes & Arrows is a colossal journey and an epic saga, leaving no doubt that the live Rush shows of 2007 will be nothing less than amazing.

Snakes & Arrows Track Listing:
1. Far Cry
2. Armor And Sword
3. Workin’ Them Angels
4. The Larger Bowl
5. Spindrift
6. The Main Monkey Business
7. The Way The Wind Blows
8. Hope
9. Faithless
10. Bravest Face
11. Good News First
12. Malignant Narcissism
13. We Hold On

Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, etc.)
Atlantic Records - released May 1, 2007

Links:
Rush
Purchase Snakes & Arrows on Amazon.com