Having shed the reputation as a Radiohead imitation band when their critically acclaimed second album, 'Origin of Symmetry' was released, Muse have been no strangers to experimentation and audacity.
Long time fans will be glad to hear, then, that their 5th studio album, 'The Resistance', provides even more experimentation with the band fusing RnB, Rock and Classical elements, along with pop and dance. An eclectic mix that provides an original but typically "Muse" sound. The album also includes frontman Bellamy's most audacious project yet - a 15 minute symphony split into three parts.
Overture, Cross-Pollination and Redemption
Exogenisis I, II and III will undoubtedly be the most talked about tracks on the album, and there is good reason for that. Bellamy shows us his talent in writing for an orchestra and one feels he is right at home penning such classically influenced music, something Muse fans will have known for many years.
It is an absurdly brilliant 15 minutes of music that really captivates the listener. However the symphony does feel like it has been stuck on the end of an album that it doesnt truly belong to. Although the question would be, which album could accommodate such a unique and fantastical piece of music?
A Thumping Intro
The first 9 tracks of the album are no less of a treat than the last 3 and one feels a cohesiveness and flow to this album that was absent from 'Black Holes and Revelations.' The album roars into life with the footstomping opener, 'Uprising', which is compromised of the more familiar elements of Muse tracks; those being a heavy bassline, a punchy solo and Matt Bellamy's ever improving, raw and powerful vocals.
The next two songs, 'Resistance' and 'Undisclosed Desires' are a successful attempt at more pop influenced music. The former could possibly be the next single with its catchy verses and chorus whilst the latter track is something that Justin Timberlake would be comfortable singing. A lack of guitar and the inclusion of electronic drums also make this particular track feel like new territory for the Teignmouth trio. Its pop/RNB sound should appeal to a wider audience than most Muse tracks, but this is no bad thing.
Eura-SIA-SIA-SIA-SIA
'United States of Eurasia' is ridiculous in a way only Queen were famous for. So its is not difficult to see where the influence for this song comes from. A tongue in cheek track about the theory that should Europe and Asia ever unite, World War against the USA could occur.
Despite all the silliness, Bellamy chooses to end this track with a beautiful Chopin piano solo. The album sets itself up for the heaviest section with the U2-esque 'Guiding Light', before exploding with 'Unnatural Selection,' (this writer's tip to be a firm fan favourite), and the spacey and dancey, 'MK Ultra.' 'I Belong to you' rounds off the first section of the album before that Symphony kicks in and it is another triumph in experimentation providing one of the album's true highlights and funkiest beats.
Orwellian Influences
'Love is our resistance' Bellamy wails in the chorus of the title track. Love and strength through unity provide hope in an otherwise bleak Orwellian dystopia straight out of 1984. This seems to be the theme throughout the album, the lyrics being typically "Muse"; dark and forboding with just a glimmer of hope so as not to make them too depressing. Lyrics have never been Bellamy's strongpoint but here they are better than usual, with more focus. They are, however, nothing compared to the music.
Muse Experimentation
There is, in general, much less of an emphasis on guitar in this album.This may sound worrying to long time Muse fans, but nothing of the big sound that Muse are famous for has been lost, it's simply different. The guitar still makes its presence known throughout the album on tracks such as 'Unnatural Selection' and 'MK Ultra'. 'Guiding Light' and 'Uprising' are also worthy of a mention in this respect. Along with some experimentation with electronica and pop, one gets a feeling that at least a few of the songs have been written with a live show in mind. 'Unnatural Selection' and 'United States of Eurasia' will no doubt be epic on stage.
Verdict:
Muse have successfully created another progressive alternative rock album. It emphasises how willing the band are to try new things and tread new ground when it comes to their music. Some of the tracks here might offend the more hardcore rock fans, but could also create new Muse fans from a wider range of musical tastes. Muse complete their outstanding return.
 |
