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A mere six months after
Fly By Night,
RUSH released their third album. Caress of Steel
begins with the rocking Bastille Day, but it is obvious that
classifying RUSH as a classic rock band is becoming difficult.
Bastille Day is an extremely complex song, from lyric to form; a treat
to listen to.
I Think I'm Going Bald is an
interesting listen, and while I identify with the song, it leaves
something to be desired. Lakeside Park is the only remaining
“normal” song on the album, and it is a pleasant tune.
The Necromancer is quite a bit
different. This is another epic song, broken into three distinct parts.
Necromancer features a narration, setting it completely apart from
other epics RUSH recorded. While it is not my personal favorite, it
is very clear that RUSH is getting all the wheels turning in this
album. The stereo effects in this tune stick out the most, and are
impressively original. Their creative talents blend well during the long
jams in this song; it’s simply one to experience.
Side B of this release is entirely devoted to
The Fountain of Lamneth, RUSH’s third epic, broken into six
parts. Part three, "No One at the Bridge", is an extremely
memorable piece, but afterward this epic begins to drag. While part five
picks up the interest fairly well, the finale is great (partially because
it’s the end).
Ultimately, Caress of Steel is
an ambitious album and their second in a year, and third in less
than two. Taking that in consideration, Caress of Steel is
an extremely creative album. It may drag on, and certainly pretentious and
indulgent, but interesting. The talents of this Canadian trio cannot be
denied. |
