Snakes and Arrows is a welcome addition to Rush's long line of solid albums. It is sonically an evolution from Rush's most recent albums, especially Test for Echo and Vapor Trails. Varied arrangements, captivating melodies, passionate singing and vibrant choruses characterize the songs. Although much of the album has a moderate tempo, the instrumentation does have moments of busyness that are reminiscent of older Rush albums. However, that's not to say you can expect to hear Moving Pictures part II. It's more of a relaxed kind of clutter.
The songs have a "natural" feel because of all the acoustic guitar Alex Lifeson plays on them. He also returned to playing guitar solos, something he mainly took a break from on Vapor Trails.
The lyrics are often gloomy and disturbing and tend to arouse strong emotions. But they come short of wallowing in despair. Themes such as adversity, struggle, hope, faith, and perseverance tie the songs together. A few of the songs cover controversial topics dealing with religious belief and current political events. They make ample use of symbolism based on naturally occurring phenomena.
Among the highlights of the album are the opening track, "Far Cry," which is an upbeat and characteristically Rush-sounding song. "Workin' Them Angels" appears to be based on memoirs of some of Neil Peart's many travels. "Spindrift" begins with eerie sounds that give way to a heavy guitar riff that resembles menacing waves crashing on a shore. "The Main Monkey Business" is the longest of three instrumentals on the album. It has some intense parts and similarities to previous Rush instrumentals, especially "Where's My Thing" and "Limbo."
"The Way The Wind Blows" is my favorite track. It starts off with a marching snare drum, which leads surprisingly to a passionate, bluesy guitar melody. The lyrics are critical of religious fundamentalists in both the east and the west. What's fascinating is the imagery used to describe the situation of people caught between the warring sides. In any case, it's just an awesome tune.
"Faithless" is actually a statement in favor of a kind of secular faith against religion, and particularly of what some people do in the name of religion. "Malignant Narcissism" is one of the other instrumentals, on which Geddy Lee plays a rocking bass groove that has an Indian/Middle-Eastern vibe. Finally, "We Hold On" is a kicking album closer.
All in all, I think Snakes and Arrows is a strong album. If you're a hardcore Rush fan, you already own it and probably love it. It's a 9 out of 10 for you.
Having said that, it does take a number of listens for most of the songs to sink in. Some people may be turned off by the battery of negative lyrics. The songs have an almost unrelenting tension that doesn't seem to be satisfactorily "resolved" even in the last track. Although that was probably the intention, it leaves an incomplete feeling to the album. (Maybe there will be a Snakes and Arrows Part II?)
For these reasons, the fairest rating I can give it for everyone else is a 7.5 out of 10.
But beware: the SNAKES and ARROWS will be with you until the bitter end!
Sam Bhattacharya
http://www.sambhattacharya.com
