Resisting Talent?
Indie rock pioneers Muse have released a new album entitled THE RESISTANCE. I’ll start by saying I don’t have an extensive knowledge of all of Muse’s accomplishments but I’m aware that they have reached large recognition and received lot’s of praise. I’m familiar with a few songs from their last album which I did enjoy although I wouldn’t say I was diehard fan. For some reason also, whenever I think of Muse I think of Guitar Hero because that was really the first time I was kind of forced to listen to a complete song of theirs. So needless to say whenever I hear Knights of Cydonia I picture multicolored circles moving up a guitar neck. Well let’s get right into it, I’m writing this as I listen to it for the first time, this should be fun.
Track 1. The Uprising: hmm, from the start it’s very energetic. I can tell you right now that it sounds like I’ve heard this song before. So I guess it’s safe to say they didn’t change things up much. It fits the bill of a Muse song. Down to the cycling synth behind the simple but enjoyable guitar, the lyrics overly vague but interesting enough to keep your attention. “THEY will not control us, we will be victorious!” sounds familiar. The lyrics often seem to be about something important but they weren’t kind enough to explain further, but it does give us room to add our own story and give it our own meaning, whether they intended that or not.
Track 2. Resistance: When I first heard the opening piano I immediately felt like it was going to segway into some intense 90’s trance, but no it just went into a muse song. Is it wrong that I was a little disappointed? Anyway, there is a lot of power in this song but not really a power I appreciate. I’m sure to a hardcore Muse fan this is everything they were waiting for. But for me lines like “Love is our resistance” don’t strike a chord with me. I enjoyed the song but I don’t think I could find myself listening to it again. By choice at least.
Track 3. Undisclosed Desires: I very much like the opening beat. This song is much closer to something I would enjoy; my only problem is the singer. Don’t get me wrong I think he is talented. I just think his style sometimes doesn’t synch up with the music. It does for the chorus pretty nicely but other than that it leaves things to be desired. It’s fun once it hits the chorus though.
“Come on…come on…here it comes…………….sick!”
Track 4. United States of Eurasia (+ Collateral Damage): This song displays the singer’s talent a little further and greatly reminds me of Queen. I don’t know if that’s just me. This song steps in a less commercial direction the only distraction is the political undertones of the lyrics. I find that to be an incredibly cheesy decision. It prevents it from being what would have been an outstanding Muse song. It closes rather nicely. Some lovely strings and familiar sounding piano over some predictable sound effects.
Track 5. Guiding Light: The start of this song almost captured my attention, my eyes widened as I heard the opening drums and as soon as the singer came in I immediately didn’t care anymore. I don’t know why! I accept that he is a good singer so why am I disappointed every time he comes in? Again a nice atmosphere is built but the lyrics sound overly Christian even if that wasn’t their intention and again it’s a distraction.
Track 6. Unnatural Selection: huh, I like this one and a line in the lyrics dispels my theory of them being overly Christian. There is an energy that the previous tracks lacked. I look forward to playing you on guitar hero.
Track 7. MK Ultra: oh this sounds fun. I’m liking this. Good job singer. Still going good. Ok I’m not liking that go back to what you were doing before. Ohh that’s nice. I change my mind….huh….well this was a good song. Way to go.
Track 8. I Belong to You-Mon Cœur S’ouvre à ta Voix: Hey, some energy I like it. This album is getting better as it goes. I hope that wasn’t the plan though because it seems like a waste of resources. Ok, well he just started singing French. I don’t know how I feel about that. Hmm, interesting but I think we could have done without it.
Track 9. Exogenesis- Symphony, Pt. 1- Overture: I’m genuinely impressed by this song. I would listen to it again. If this was all muse did I would totally go gay for them.
Track 10. Exogenesis- Symphony, Pt. 2- Cross-Pollination: nice title. They are becoming fond of this dramatic ballad style. But again lovely song. Keep it up you are winning my heart.
Track 11. Exogenesis- Symphony, Pt. 3- Redemption: I am now excited to hear this one. Ahhh sing that shit you beautiful mother fucker. Can I give you my number?
Well, it’s been emotional. In conclusion this album expands on the basic sound of Muse but towards the end it evolves into much more. I never thought they could make this indie-progressive-whatever the fuck-alternative-rock sound very pretty and enjoyable. Hats off to you muse….but seriously cut the first 4 songs. Kisses.
Coincidence?
