Thursday, August 27, 2009

Muse preview new album

Muse are readying themselves for the release of their new studio album, The Resistance, the follow up to 2006’s Blackholes & Revelations. Reports and rumours concerning the album have been on the go for months now. Some saying that the record takes a much more progressive approach, styles reminiscent of Rush.

Well, as the album draws nearer some light has been shed on the sound of the album. Now streaming on band’s site are 30 second samples of each track; listen HERE.

There’s a very alluring sound on display in these tracks. Opener, “Uprising” indulges in a space rock vibe which by the sounds of it will translate perfectly to the live stage.

They edge on poppy radio rock on “Resistance”, while “Undisclosed Desires” exchanges some mesmerising synths with Matt Bellamy’s unmistakeable vocals. Then there’s “United States of Eurasia”. It kicks in with immediate Queen worship, sounding like they’ve spliced some of their tunes together. It’s difficult to explain as I only heard 30 seconds.
“Guiding Light” boasts some sensational sounding lead guitar work; this sample sounds the most promising.

“Unnatural Selection” works more towards Muse’s rocking side. As too does “MK Ultra”. Next, “I Belong To You” works on the jazzy influences, but also sounding very radio friendly and accessible.

Three part closer “Exogenesis: Symphony” seems to be their most notable venture into progdom, especially with its conspicuous three part, chaptered arrangement. “Part 1 (Overture)” works a string section with a building drum beat and vocal. “Part 2 (Cross Pollination)” is piano laden at first while building rather quickly with Queen-like precision. Then “Part 3 (Redemption)” leads the album to a close.

Now that you’ve read this, bear one thing in mind. I only heard 30 second samples of each track. I’m not passing judgement on the songs, which would be totally unfair. I’m only commenting on what I heard at the time. The songs seem to work on an odd middle ground, nothing too soft but still no big rock tunes like “Hysteria” or “Plug In Baby”.

Stick around for more updates on The Resistance.

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