Snakes & Arrows

Snakes & Arrows is the eighteenth album on which Rush deftly binds complex song construction and accessible hooks within a calm, deep timbre. Guitar, bass and drums each move at very high density yet never lose the songs’ center. The rich resonance of acoustic guitar is greatly taken in, giving the work warmth and deep shading. Thoughtful themes of faith and life run throughout. From the sharp, powerful drive of the opener “Far Cry” to quiet acoustic passages and the grand expanse of the Grammy-nominated instrumental “The Main Monkey Business,” the album is full of a deeply mature ease, while cuts like “Armor and Sword” and “Workin’ Them Angels” are engaging. Its great appeal lies in deepening and enriching the musical conversation the three had continued over long years, rather than merely showing off outstanding technique. Even as veterans, their inquiry and playing have not dimmed in the least. On which a mature band unites thoughtful themes and powerful playing, it is a deeply engaging late-period work.