Rush Delivers Bleak View of World in Snakes and Arrows

Rush
Snakes and Arrows
2007
Atlantic/Anthem Records

2 1/2 Stars (**1/2)

Rush returns this week with their 19th studio record and 27th record (including greatest hits and live records) overall under the banner of "Snakes & Arrows", a record that takes Rush fans to a new destination musically never visited before in the band's 33-year history. Sure, there are hundreds of thousands of fans who are eagerly anticipating the May 1st release of the next chapter in Rush world, firmly cementing their belief's that whatever the band gives them is "gospel" and not to be criticized in any way, shape, or form.

However, Rush is a band that is not immune to criticism by those with an objective ear or even those who slandered the band's best work nearly 20 years ago.

No Band/Artist Is.

Rush has a history of being one of the underdogs of rock and roll. The Rodney Dangerfields of Canada. The missing link between abstract and annoying. The fine line between love and hate. Rush's career has been one large book of cliches, as drummer Neil Peart has borrowed just about every single one over the years from the 1 or 2 thousand authors he has referenced over his career, as chief lyricist for the band as well as author of a number of travel books over the last 15 years whether they are on 12-speed bicycles, BMW motorcycles, or BMW sports cars. Peart never has had trouble expressing his love for the road and a journey across the globe on tires.