Signals [LP]

Rush: Geddy Lee (vocals, synthesizer, bass); Alex Lifeson (guitar); Neal Peart (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Ben Mink (violin).
Recorded at Le Studio, Quebec, Canada between April & July 1982.
Rush: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neal Peart.
Additional personnel: Ben Mink (violin).
Making the transition from the heavy-rocking '70s to the synthesizer-driven '80s, the power trio Rush embraced the new technology with open arms. After the 1981 smash album MOVING PICTURES, Rush decided to lead their cult of loyal fans down a slightly different musical route while continuing to maintain their high level of expertise. The result, SIGNALS, was a very unique album for the group and ushered in an era that focused their sound toward keyboard-centered orchestrations and tight, stylized arrangements.
The driving opener "Subdivisions" is a powerful depiction of the sometimes bleak outlook of suburban life. The special effects of "Chemistry" and the shuffling "Digital Man" take on a futuristic slant befitting the group's new synthesizer-based sound. The most creative use of the technology comes with the mysterious "The Weapon," one of the group's darkest compositions. A more typical song is the up-beat "New World Man" which showcases the trio's strengths on top of a sequenced computer track. The grand finally comes with a very realistic description of the launch of NASA's space shuttle on the programmatic "Countdown."