Some things take time: writing a new post for example, or
learning to fully appreciate a record. I bought Rush
latest studio offering in combination with the
Moving Pictures live vinyl back in 2012
or 2013. Don't remember exactly. I have to admit while
always being a keen supporter of the band since
mid-eighties, the last studio efforts since
Test for Echo couldn't really caught much
of my attention for a longer period of time. The band's
strong live reputation remained through the years but I
felt a lack of new inspiration.
Vapor Trails was a turn for the best and
back to guitar driven riffs. Trying to reinvent themselves
again after decades seemed hard even for these outstanding
craftsmen.
I listened to Clockwork Angels once in a while, heard new
freshness and potential and now the last few weeks it
caught me. In combination with the live performances I saw
on the internet I really dove into it. At sixty-something
they revived. There it is: the right balance between
vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass and drums. A melting pot
of sound with only equal parts and the occasional Peart
penned one liner that seems to jump out once in a while
and sticks in the head for the rest of the day.
Not looking to the past they obviously found new resources
of inspiration, enough to raise the bar once more. They
even do allow companions on the new and winding road.
Strings are added and thankfully they are agressive, fully
supporting and responsible for a whole new palette of
sound. Now watch out you hipster young bands, before you
know these gentlemen will kick your ass when they are well
into their seventies.
