RUSH – Clockwork Angels
Roadrunner [Release date 9 July 2012]
The Canadian prog rockers’ 19th studio album, and long awaited too, it’s been a few years in production. In fact two tracks were released as radio / download singles 2 years ago, before last year’s live set.
From the opening Caravan, a swirling (almost circus) intro, it’s immediately a chunky hard rock number. While there are the trademark softer parts, piano interjections and characteristic vocals, the grandiose sweeping prog of the 70s and 80s has largely (but not totally) given way to a rock’n’roll harder edge. The riffs are solid, the guitar solo blistering, the rhythms strong and upfront.
BU2B has a more acoustic intro that builds to a more crunchy sound – a hint of 90s King Crimson. Then the title track, which is quite thunderous, some pace (and noise) changes, and vocal harmonies. A decent melody, and almost alternative in the heavier parts.
The Anarchist is a real standout, a highlight, the driving bass lines, tribal drums, and hard rock riffs, no messing, it really does just rock in the most enjoyable fashion. Carnies follows in similar fashion, with a guitar solo and melody that harks back to the 80s.
Throughout the album the pace, times, range and feel change; Seven Cities Of Gold a good example of how it all comes together and works. Some frantic fretboard work add to the noise; good old fashioned hard rock mixed with a touch of 90s alt/nu, smoothed over with classic Rush and modern production.
Given the modern sounds and angles, I was very pleasantly blown away – a thoroughly enjoyable album throughout that should please long term fans and the younger generation alike. And the packaging is superb, and when you add on the Classic Rock Mag fanpack you get real value for money.
****1/2
Review by Joe Geesin
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