Rush
Signals

Here the Rush enter the most electronic phase of their career with this amazing work. After the years of hard rock and the complex, clearly prog-oriented structures, the flying Canadian trio decided to adapt to the musical trends of the fabulous '80s. And they do it with a great surge of pride. They decide to maximize their synthesizers and give the guitars a more rhythmic and less aggressive imprint. Never before had we seen electronic instruments prevail over guitars in such a way. A shift that for those who loved them for the power of the hard rock they gave us in the past might even result in a profound downfall. But those who truly love Rush must surely be fans always ready for the surprises the band can offer and be very open to innovations, even the most frequent ones.

Immediately with "Subdivisions" we already have a half-idea of what this album holds for us; a track we could define as "keyboard-oriented" due to its massive keyboard presence and a somewhat overshadowed Lifeson; in my opinion, the track that anticipates Van Halen's "Jump." More guitar-focused is n° 2 "The Analog Kid," but with keyboards still prominently present. Another track with keyboards in full swing is "Chemistry," even though Lifeson doesn't disappoint with some good guitar riffs. In "Digital Man," on the other hand, there's much more space for Lifeson and Lee's excellent bass lines, although the synths continue to persist (fortunately). My personal masterpiece, however, is "The Weapon": the rhythm almost winks at the disco music of those years, and the electronic experiments truly reach their peak with riffs that almost brush against techno. Faster and more lively is n° 6 "The New World Man," with Lifeson taking full advantage of electronic bases, finally able to unleash his energy. Melancholic and perhaps a bit sad is n° 7 "Losing It," with synth lines capable of bringing tears to the more emotional eyes and exquisite violin touches and a good solo from Lifeson. The experimental "Countdown" is also pleasant, with a rather spacey intro and beautiful synth lines.

Oh yes, the Rush are also these. They were almost for an entire decade. Yet they managed to offer, even in a period when musical trends also suffered from consumerism, genuine pearls. Great Rush indeed!