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Title: Sadly overlooked
Review: After the orchestral sound of the previous two albums, the band goes for a more stripped-down, organic sound. The keyboards are still there but take a less prominent role and the power trio sound begins its gradual return to center stage. Alex Lifeson uses the acoustic more frequently and adopts a more assertive, riff-oriented style on the electric. Some of the songs aren't that great ("Superconductor", "War Paint", etc.) but they're outnumbered by quality material. "Show Don't Tell", "The Pass", "Hand Over Fist", and "Available Light" are outstanding; "Red Tide", "Presto", and "Anagram" are close behind. This transitional album may appeal to those who think Rush suffocated in synths during the 80s even though the music here is far mellower than the 70s albums. This overlooked album belongs in every Rush fan's collection.
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