Presto - Hybrid SACD Edition Review

In transit between genres, Rush go goth-pop

By Chris Roberts, Classic Rock, October 2014, transcribed by pwrwindows

In late 1989, Rush, moving from Mercury to Atlantic, decided to ease off on their "computers and synths" period, reverting to rock. Presto is strong on songs, but retrospectively it still sounds very much of the 80s (something which the crisp SACD sound emphasises).

Produced by Rupert Hine, it boasts echoing drum sonics and a glistening sheen. The Trevor Horn-like rhythms of "Scars" could almost be ABC or Frankie Goes To Hollywood. This is not a bad thing. In fact the marriage of clean, concise arrangements and Rush?s innate, shrill, histrionic edge often punches above its weight.

The trio wrote some powerful hooks and choruses, with tracks like "Chain Lightning" and "The Pass" excelling as a breed of accidental power-pop. "War Paint", with its rousing, anthemic refrain of "boys and girls together/paint the mirror black" is like a trashy gothic Sweet. A better Rush album than most Rush fans realise.

8 out of 10 stars