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Life & Arts

Muse steps into light

Group finds its sound in 'Black Holes' after mediocre 'Absolution'

by BEN HILL
THE DAILY COUGAR

It was obvious Muse was capable of great things when Absolution was released in 2003. The band had talent; complicated but accessible arrangements and a bleak magnetism that only an album about the end of the world can radiate. 

The graceful "Sing For Absolution" counterbalanced the mathematical pummel of "Hysteria" and "Stockholm Syndrome," but the problem of a few great songs held together by bits of dragging mediocrity plagued the album. However, with Black Holes & Revelations, Muse seems to have worked out whatever kinks remained and have delivered an opulent art-rock monster. 

Taking the two opening tracks to find their feet, the band launches the futuristic funk of "Supermassive Black Hole," which along with "Exo-politics" bears the heavy Prince influence with falsetto vocals and sexy swagger. "Assassin" recalls the manic Morse-code guitars of "Stockholm Syndrome." Revelation's songs are deceptive: just when it seems like they are decent outtakes from Absolution, the band adds another layer that drives the song into a tighter, tenser groove. 

Many reviewers have noted the interesting addition of flamenco textures to Muse's normally black-and-white tonal spectrum. Thankfully, there is no hyperactive minor key soloing or any overt attempt to be anything other than what Muse is. 

Surf rock and spaghetti western touches equally contribute to the album's overall sound, especially on "Hoodoo," "City Of Delusion" and "Knights Of Cydonia." 

"Knights Of Cydonia" wins out as the album's epic centerpiece. After tearing through the galloping intro and opening verse, front man Michael Bellamy's voice erupts in a multi-tracked one-man choir. 

Lyrically, Revelations is a bit more hopeful than Absolution, as if the end of the world was just another false alarm. What now? Tales of rockstar superficiality, corrupt government and conspiracy gel nicely with the aggressive tempos and dramatic, sweeping orchestration. 

A band makes a great album by taking all of their influences and creating something unique and personal. Muse has finally done that with Black Holes & Revelations. 

It is the logical continuation of the ideas submitted, if sporadically realized by Absolution and should cement the band's reputation as being its own animal and not just another Radiohead rip-off. 

Muse

Black Holes & Revelations
Warner Bros.

Verdict: The summer's essential rock album.
 

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