Snakes & Arrows

Anthem/Atlantic

No suspenseful build-up to the final result: Snakes & Arrows is Rush’s best album in a very long time. The Canadian power trio’s 18th full studio album harkens back to the early days when guitar (Alex Lifeson), bass (Geddy Lee) and drums (Neil Peart) were the only sounds heard. Yes, there are some keyboards mixed in, but not as much. The troika sounds refreshed and energized here. The album is bookended by the band’s two most rocking songs: first single (and best work in a while) “Far Cry” and “We Hold On.” In between, there are several mid-tempo numbers focused on life’s ups and downs. Standouts include “Armor and Sword” and “Workin’ Them Angels.” Even the three instrumentals stand out. All three members’ instrumentation is heavy, yet sharp and purposeful. Rush is still around to haunt those who don’t get them, and Snakes & Arrows is more than enough to make any fan rock out for joy.