With 2009’s The Resistance, Muse effectively let the music world know that they had a flair for the dramatic, and weren’t afraid to put it on display through their musical output. Featuring prominent use of orchestras, and even containing a miniature three-part symphony, the band amazed the world with their musical creativity. If you thought Muse couldn’t get any more creative, they will pleasantly prove you wrong with their latest effort, The 2nd Law. The 13-track effort takes the glamour and creativity that graced The Resistance and takes it to new heights, while mixing in some new and eclectic influences.
Kickstarting the listening journey is “Supremacy,” with its crunchy, menacing guitar riff and full-blown symphony leading the way into a march-style feel. Frontman Matthew Bellamy croons loudly, showing off his incredible vocal range throughout the song. With dynamics shifting between elegant and powerful, this one sets the tone of the record right from the start. “Madness” is up next — a low-key, lyrically beautiful piece which Bellamy identifies as his favourite of all the songs he’s ever written. Consisting mainly of synthesizers over a minimal beat from a drum machine, the song is simple, yet effective. It flourishes in a sonically dramatic fashion closer to the end before quieting back down into the minimalist groove once more. “Panic Station” then stomps its way into the listener’s ears, with an infectious bass groove from Christopher Wolstenholme. This track has serious attitude, backed up by a poppy brass section and a simple stomp/clap beat.
A quick orchestral prelude leads us into “Survival,” with a quaint little introduction composed of choral work and finger snaps, offering up some serious shades of Queen. Appearances are deceiving, however, as the song soon explodes into grandiose sections of choirs and guitar soloing. Bellamy puts on a powerful, confident vocal performance, with the final moments of the song breaking into guitar riffs and solos that would fit right in with a heavy metal tune.
“Follow Me” is a track which gives us the first taste of the band’s new penchant for electronic music influences, with the midway point of the piece giving way to a dubstep-inspired beat. “Animals” changes the album’s feel entirely with its off-kilter drumline and ghostly keyboard lines, while “Explorers” presents itself as a charming little piece with constantly changing keys. “Big Freeze” sounds like Bellamy got tired of playing guitar and hired U2’s The Edge to play in his place – the influence is definitely apparent. The songs “Save Me” and “Liquid State” are both written and sung by bassist Wolstenholme, something unheard of on past Muse records.
The album closes with a two-part series under the name “The 2nd Law.” The first installment, “Unsustainable,” starts with a frantic string section before breaking into all-out dubstep madness. Inspired to write the song after attending a Skrillex concert, the dubstep sounds and effects are all created through Bellamy’s vast array of guitar effects. “Isolated System” builds into a majestic wall of sound before quieting back down and fading to white noise to close out the album.
Muse have once again shown with The 2nd Law that their creativity as a group knows no bounds. The eclectic influences that have been woven in to their sound this time around are welcomed, and will be unbelievable in a live setting without a doubt.
