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A monster tour makes major
Rush - Snakes & Arrows Live |
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Review by Andy Argyrakis Even though Rush's Snakes & Arrows already hit streets as a studio album and a double concert CD, fans have been most excited about the DVD installment focusing on the band's blockbuster tour. Not only did the outing sell out arenas the first time around in 2007, but an encore presentation this year did just as well, ensuring the progressive rock giants were indeed on the comeback trail. The DVD installment of the outing is spread across three discs, chronicling singer/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart nailing every note of the new album, but also flashing back through their extensive annals.The two act set list opens with robust renditions of "Limelight" and "Digital Man," which immediately highlight the players' proficiency encapsulated by larger than life production and swirls of smoke and lasers. As the marathon viewing experiences progresses, the band winds through the years, laying down such obvious powerhouses as "Freewill," "Subdivisions," "The Spirit of the Radio" and "Tom Sawyer," alongside epic explosions like "A Passage To Bangkok" and "YYZ." For the newer schooled listeners, there's plenty of critically acclaimed Snakes & Arrows cuts, including "The Main Monkey Business," "Far Cry," "Armor and Sword" and "The Way the Wind Blows," which are also steeped in the band's monstrous instrumental flourishes. Outside of the extensive track listing, one of the exciting features on this collection is the fact that the cameras get closer to the three players than ever before, highlighting their precise movements, alongside cohesive interaction with one another. The project also benefits from several extras, including 2007 tour outtakes, alternative angles for a few newer tunes, plus a segment called "Oh, Atlanta! The Authorized Bootlegs." All in all, it's a well rounded collection bringing an incredibly memorable tour back to life on the small screen that serves as a lifelong souvenir. |