After much anticipation for what seemed like years, British alternative-rock band Muse finally released their newest album “The 2nd Law.” Each album they release has a different sound, yet they manage to pull it off every single time.
Muse is one of those bands that is really tough to categorize. The three British men, Matthew Bellamy, Dominic Howard, and Chris Wolstenholme have a unique style inspired by Queen, and they are often said to be like Radiohead. But really, they are a mixed breed. They are a mashup of alternative, british pop, space rock, and progressive rock.
The album opens with a progressive rock song, “Supremacy,” featuring an orchestra and choir. It may sound funny, but do not be fooled. These three men make it flow nicely. It’s the perfect blend of epic and dainty creating a unique song.
But “Supremacy” is not the only progressive rock song on the album. “Liquid State” is another honorable mention. As you head-bang to this beauty, you realize that the singer’s voice has changed. Well, this song was not written by the guitarist like usual. It was written and sung by bassist Chris Wolstenholme, along with “Save Me.” The two songs are about his struggle with alcoholism and how he overcame it.
Muse also decided to introduce dubstep into their album. In an interview they said “dubstep is the new rock.” When I heard this, I was worried. I’m not the biggest fan of dubstep. But Muse is brilliant. They somehow managed to combine their style with it. Dubstep is featured in the songs “Madness,” “Follow Me,” and “Unsustainable.” Only “Unsustainable” is heavy in dubstep, but as for the other two, it’s just a light amount to add some style to their classic sound.
What surprised me about this album was the British pop. It’s not your typical One Direction, it’s just a little more light-hearted than what their past music is like. “Madness,” “Panic Station,” and “Survival” are the major Brit-pop songs on “The 2nd Law.” “Madness” was released as a single earlier on, and even before that was “Survival.” “Survival” was written for the 2012 Olympic games and was performed at the closing ceremony. I wouldn’t say it’s the best song on the album because of the lack of creativity, but the fact that is was the official song for the Olympics is impressive.
“The 2nd Law” isn’t disappointing, but it isn’t perfect. The problem with this album is that every song has too many genres piled into one song. It’s creative and sounds good, but it gets frustrating when you don’t know whether to head bang or do the robot.
My favorite songs are “Supremacy,” “Madness,” “Panic Station,” and “Big Freeze.” They either sound more like the classic Muse that I became addicted to two years ago.
“The 2nd Law” isn’t my favorite Muse album, but I really loved it. The variety of styles is incredible, and the fact that they managed to pull each string together and knit together something beautiful is amazing. Overall, I was pleased with Muse’s new release. Though they have changed their style, they always come up with something unique and brilliant.
If you like unique rock music, you will love “The 2nd Law”. The album is sold at Target, and I highly recommend you go and buy your own copy.
by JENICA DODGE
