Alex Lifeson, best known as the guitar player for progenitors of prog, Rush, unveiled the debut single from his new band, Envy of None on Jan. 12. “Liar,” comes roughly six months after Lifeson took to Twitter to announce the new group’s formation. The band features Lifeson, Andy Curran, Alfio Annibalini and vocalist Maiah Wynne. Their self-titled debut album is scheduled for release on Apr. 8. 

The song is an interesting departure from Lifeson’s previous work. “Liar” is a poppy foray into the world of industrial metal. The track grinds along steadily like a conveyer belt, slow and heavy. Lifeson’s guitar work is sprinkled tastefully throughout catchy choruses and factory-reminiscent electronic sounds, arranged in a fashion that feels rhythmic and punchy.

The track is stylistically different from Lifeson’s prior tracks, but Rush fans should not be quick to dismiss it. After all, this certainly isn’t the first time Lifeson has ventured into pop laden territory. Rush could have been considered a pop group, albeit a rather complex one, through a good portion of their 40-year career: the 80’s of course! (But hey, who the hell wasn’t?!)

Lifeson’s single release comes five days after the two-year anniversary of his bandmate Neil Peart’s death. Peart was the beloved and world-renowned drummer of Rush from 1974 until the group’s retirement in 2015. Following his death, fans often speculated if and when the surviving members of Rush would release music and how they would choose to do so. 

I look forward to hearing what Lifeson’s new outfit has to offer this spring. The new song is catchy, but I hope that Lifeson’s guitar work will be able to take on a more central role in the group’s future output. Only time will tell. 

“Liar” is currently available via Kscope Records on all major streaming platforms including Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.