Muse - The Resistance
Rating
RIYL
QueenRadiohead
Bloc Party
Release Date
09/15/2009
Label
Reprise/Warner Bros.Tracklist
1. Uprising2. Resistance
3. Undisclosed Desires
4. United States Of Eurasia [+Collateral Damage]
5. Guiding Light
6. Unnatural Selection
7. MK Ultra
8. I Belong To You [+Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix]
9. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 1 [Overture]
10. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 2 [Cross-pollination]
11. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 [Redemption]
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You’re standing on the edge of the earth. You are Batman and the Joker’s had his last laugh, you are Alexander the Great and Mesopotamia is yours. You are Barack Obama and George Bush is on his knees. You are Samuel. L mother-fucking Jackson and there ain’t no mother-fucking snakes on the mother-fucking plane. You’ve defeated the Tetons, Terminator, and you’ve just cured cancer; and playing in the background is the opening track to Muse’s latest release, The Resistance.
If there’s one thing that Muse know how to do, it's get your attention, and they’ve certainly done that with "Uprising," the opener to their fifth studio album. The two step bass-line and synthesized screaming guitar instill an image of raised fists and victory on a baron wasteland at the end of battle. But which battle? The Resistance, like so much Muse, is hugely politically minded, and the larger-than-life English band seem to be attempting to take on all the world's problems with one album. They developed a penchant for epic rock anthems early in their career with the likes of "Muscle Museum" and "Time Is Running Out," and everything, including the scope of frontman Matt Bellamy’s vocal ability has continued to grow on their fifth studio album.
Unfortunately, as huge and awe-inspiring as the first track is, the rest of the album follows the same mold and lacks diversity. From the synth-driven chorus in each song to Bellamy’s over-used vocal progression (so much of the Muse catalogue closes in screaming falsetto), The Resistance is more a soundtrack to a futuristic battle film than perhaps a commentary on world issues, as might have been intended.
Each song seems to be targeted at a global or social issue, albeit slightly sensationalized, but nevertheless providing a resounding message that Muse seem to think the world is falling apart. Pessimism aside, the album's title track provides a cliched look on the worst of world issues. With renegade lyrics such as, “Will our world come tumbling down / will they find our hiding place / is this our last embrace … love is our resistance / they keep us apart / and they won’t stop breaking us down…” some might think Bellamy is a little paranoid.
Their egos, built upon being the first act to sell out Wembley Stadium, certainly weren’t deflated by statements regarding Muse as Queen of the 21st century, indeed the identity has been embraced. "United States of Eurasia (+ Collateral)," an obvious mockery of the world's super powers, sounds so similar to "Bohemian Rhapsody" at times it's a wonder copyright laws weren’t infringed upon. Dedicated Muse fans might be somewhat alarmed, though not disappointed, by tracks such as "Undisclosed Desires" and "Guiding Light." The electric keys of "Undisclosed Desires" would not be out of place on a Justin Timberlake track, and the lads may even be tipping their hats to U2 in the stadium balladry of "Guiding Light."
The three-part album finale, "Exogenesis: Overture, Cross-Pollination and Redemption" is a true return to earlier Muse material rife on Origin of Symmetry and Showbiz, and cannot go unmentioned. Indecipherable falsetto vocals and bizarre orchestral stylings herald to the '15 minute space-rock epic' rumored in production stages. If there’s one thing "Exogenesis" says, it is that Muse aren’t making music for the joy of making music, but for the recognition of making music. How should they be recognised? We’ll leave that up to you.
For all the grandeur and arrogance Muse have hit once again with an album that will stand out from any other rock album this year. It is by no means a departure from Black Holes and Revelations, but is more of a continuation for a formula that has provided them with nothing but success. It might be said they’ve got nothing new to offer, but Muse have managed to produce an album of such musical prowess and epic proportions that there is no reason to be disappointed, and I defy you to not feel a sense of power as "Uprising" builds.
--Sandy Powell
Comments
Somewhere in New York
That is the most bizarre first paragraph, and I love it... Good review Sandy.
"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross
Colorado
I really enjoyed the album. I don't like it as much as their last one, but that is almost impossible to top in my eyes. Start to finish a great album I can really see growing with every listen. Great review.
Fort Bragg, CA
I dug the title track, but that was the only real standout for me.
Sunshine Coast, Australia
supposed to say 5th album at the end of the second paragraph...
yeh I agree, it will never top Black Holes and Revelations or even Absolution, but still a pretty solid album.
"If you want something done right, get a fucking Australian band to do it" - Chris Cheney
Oklahoma
Seems like the Radiohead comparison is becoming less and less valid.
I thought Black Holes was their weakest effort and I'm not too eager to hear this one either. But I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually.
Didn't really get into this. Seems watered down. Though I did enjoy chuckling at how The United States of Eurasia sounds like Queen trying to write a song for a Mummy movie soundtrack.
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