Review: The Resistance

The Resistance, Muse (2009)

My first reaction on listening to many of the songs on Muse's album was familiarity; despite never really having heard any of them before. It's fast-paced, emo rock; nothing I particularly object to. It was enjoyable to say the least; although for some reason there aren't words in my lexicon to describe it.

The reason for my familiarity was soon discovered; apart from the first and last three songs, they all sound quite familiar. Almost indistinguishable on light listening; the overarching voice of the lead singer ruling over everything else, and making the whole thing every samey.

They expose their classical influences with the last three songs, which together make up the "Exogenesis Symphony", a wonderful piece that highlights how new and old styles can codevelop. I particularly loved how the incorporated voice didn't spoil the feel of the piece.

It's very metal. It's simply brilliant, a mixture of light classical musings (the title explains it all! Hurrah!) and hard 70s rock. There's some Queen influences, some Bowie, and then this homegrown brilliance and meaning that floats through everything. I would reccomend this album. But one certainly has to concentrate, and then one can enjoy the music to its full potential.

Thanks.