Rush

Math rock necromancers Rush emerge from whatever realm it is they exist in to release their first album of original material in five years. Stylistically similar to 2002's Vapor Trails (meaning no keyboards), their latest finds Alex, Geddy and Neil plotting out solid rocking vectors for lyrics concerning higher beings (like angels), and of course some swords 'n' stuff. Snakes & Arrows makes a case for the idea that bands way past their prime can remain vital if they continue to evolve, as Rush has done over the years. "The Larger Bowl" should win Best Song Title of 2007.

If you're a Rush fan, add two stars; if not, subtract two. Snakes & Arrows gives Geddyheads
the first new Rush material in five years, unless you count Neil Peart's 2005 instructional
DVD, Anatomy of a Drum Solo. Highlight: Alex Lifeson's guitar in the second half of
"Malignant Narcissism."