Rush
Permanent Waves

THE REVIEW

The Rush really can't miss a beat! After the masterpieces "2112", "A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres", here comes the hugely successful "Permanent Waves"; an album that marks a slight but noticeable shift in Rush's music: the three Canadians do not hide their love for progressive rock shown in previous albums but introduce songs with a more commercial nature that lean towards a more 80s sound, always without sacrificing the compositional complexity that will always characterize them. An album that is varied and balanced as a whole, which certainly earns an important place in the band's ranking... Yes indeed, it is true, that is truly the golden period of the band and this record is a real confirmation of it! Sure, in this record they move towards something more catchy but without losing the attitude towards the accuracy of the compositions.

It starts right away with a direct "The Spirit Of Radio", with complex guitar riffs, time changes, and sunny and lively melodies... and even a reggae section. "Freewill" is also quite direct, with a verse-chorus structure and a tangible and evident keyboard accompaniment, but it doesn’t forgo time changes and offers a not bad solo... all in strict order! And we come to the highlight track of the album, the splendid "Jacob's Ladder", where Rush truly confirms they are still in their full prog period: the synthesizers here are the absolute protagonists, and without them, the song wouldn’t have that particular atmosphere that makes it enjoyable to listen to, but the guitars are also not far behind! Another remarkable track is "Entre Nous", where Rush’s intention to direct their sound towards a more massive use of the synthesizer continues: the synths intervene between the verse and the chorus and in the instrumental part with really fitting riffs; the sound of the guitars is more rhythmic and the acoustic chorus is also pleasant. After the ballad "Different Strings", with sweet and melancholic guitars and the piano from guest Hugh Syme, the album closes with the excellent "Natural Science", again testifying to the strong prog intent of the group: it starts delicately with the sound of a babbling brook accompanied by acoustic guitar, but then the track immediately finds a beautiful crescendo: first, the rhythm becomes livelier, accompanied by excellent guitar arpeggios, leading to a frenetic part with powerful guitar riffs and delightful echoes, then calming down to give space to synth parts and cleaner melodies.

This closes another jewel from the Canadian trio... we don’t know what position it will take in this blessed ranking, but it will certainly never be forgotten by the group’s lovers!