Making the case for being one of the most dynamic bands of this generation, Muse with its Black Holes and Revelations, has made a very strong argument. Led by the supreme talent of Matthew Bellamy, and accompanied by a tremednously talented rythym section, Muse really is one of the best bands around today. While I felt that their most recent work, 2009's The Resistance (previously reviewed here on Ethos) was their best, this was another rock-solid effort and indeed more proof that they are deserving of all the attention they are getting.

     While not every single song is a total winner on Black Holes and Revelations, it does contain a number of superb tracks. You will hear a uniquely diverse group of songs that exude a complete understanding of music as an art form, one that doesn't adhere to constraints, but pushes boundaries. What I mean is, more specifically, that Muse has the ability to comprehend what makes a song great, but also isn't afraid to experiment either. For the msot part, the song selection here is fantastic and has a very high artistic quality. Take the lead single "Starlight" for example - it is by far the albums finest moment and I would go as far to say it is one of the best songs of the decade. "Starlight" is utterly beautiful in so many ways, it simply must be heard.

     I think Muse's best quality is their ability to be so diverse. No two songs sound alike on this album. They can rock out with the best of them, but also dramatize and introduce a tinge of classical music as well, which is such a refreshing take considering many rock bands of today aren't quite as visionary as Muse (but then again, it depends on the band). While I feel I've noticed elements of Pearl Jam in other Muse works, I felt in Black Holes and Revelations, I noticed echoes of Alice In Chains as well - from some of the vocal harmonzing perhaps. It just struck me a few moments here or there, and that is not a bad thing at all, but rather a plus!

     So what can you, the listener, take from an album like this? Well, I think if you want to broaden your pallette, this is an album and a band for you. I was very curious about Muse for a long time and finally gave them some attention, and the payoff is rather rewarding if you are music fan. They appeal to your senses in many ways - they can be catchy with several radio-friendly tracks, or create sweeping epics, or delve into the experimental. While I felt some of the more experimental tracks like the closing song "Knights of Cydonia" were a little too avant-garde, they can still be considered valiant efforts.

     At first listen, this album doesn't sound perfect, as I seemed to miss a lot of things the first time around. However, I gave it another try, and below the surface is some brilliant expression and creativity. Some songs are obviously stronger than others, but this album strikes a pretty fair balance as a whole. You may feel the same way, and if so, give it another listen, and perhaps it will lure you in even more. And if not, you'll still be won over by songs like "Starlight" or "Exo-Politics." In any case, this album deserves to be heard.

     See why Muse is one of the best bands of this generation. It is evident throughout this piece. While not their overall strongest effort (their best to date in my opinion is The Resistance), I still highly reccomend this album. It has plenty of great moments. Enjoy this work!

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Starlight"

"Supermassive Black Hole"

"Map of the Problematique"

"Exo-Politics"

"City of Delusion"

-Kurt L.

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     Muse is rapidly becoming one of the more popular bands in America today, and with good reason. The Resistance is a rock album like no other made in today's modern age. What the band does so wonderfully is that it transcends rock n roll more so than its contemporaries. It has the ability to fuse together the orchestral sounds of classical music with the aggressiveness of modern rock. Muse is also very keen on creating some truly beautiful melodic moments as well. It's this versatility that makes Muse a unique musical act, and a rather complete one as well. Matthew Bellamy, the bands lead singer, songwriter and pianist, is the heart of the group, and his talents, along with the rest of the band, really make their new effort, The Resistance, one of 2009's best overall records.

     The group of songs on The Resistance seem like they have all been carefully assembled and arranged with great care. Each song, in its own respect, has something to offer in one way or another. The opening three tracks ("Uprising", "Resistance", and "Undisclosed Desires") are indeed the best in my opinion, and really showcase Muse's diverse talents. The rest of the album has many high points as well. "United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)" is a decent song, but ends on a interesting note with Matthew Bellamy playing his own arrangement of a Chopin classical piano piece. And while there are many other strong songs here on the album, attention must be paid to the epic finale - "Exogenesis." It is a three part song, encompassing the final quarter of the album, and is a modern masterpiece. It is essentially a classical-rock piece, that blends both genres together, creating a euphoric sound unlike anything I've heard in quite some time. All three parts of "Exogenesis" are beautiful, but perhaps the best is the middle section entitled "Exogenesis: Symphony Pt. 2, Cross-Pollination."

     Muse excels at creating sound. Your ears are treated to a wonderful wall of sound that is filled with nuance and is layered with such attention to detail. I can't convey it clearly enough with words, but this album is meant to be heard. Also, while Muse has a very original sound, at times it seems to echo that of Pearl Jam and Queen. Pearl Jam in a way because of the constant flow and unpredictable flux in melody (which can be a good thing), and Queen in how some of the piano and vocals are implemented. At first, I was averse to how they sounded like Queen, because I am not really a big Queen fan, but in any case, that is not to detract from Muse, as they sound terrific.

     The versatility is another aspect of this record that should be discussed futher. From the sweeping, three part epic of "Exogenesis", to the hard-rocking soldier-stomp of "Uprising" to the sweet beauty of "Resistance" to the pop/R&B hybrid "Undisclosed Desires" to the psuedo bluesy 1970s-ish sound of "I Belong To You", to the more modern sounds of "MK Ultra", this album has so much to offer. Another fascinating element of this record is that it often touches on a wide variety of subjects. The Resistance as a whole alludes to divinity, fear, angels, corruption, oppression, astronomy, resistance, mutiny, rebellion, retalliation, remembrance, and of course, love. It's amazing what this album can do and what it captures.

     Muse is one of the best bands today, and The Resistance is a record that should satisfy a wide variety of listeners because it encompasses so many different elements. It's a terrific album, and I like it for so many reasons. It exposes us to a lot of unique and different sounds, as well as re-introducing us all to a modern take on classical music. At its core, it is a rock album, but it accomplishes so much. Listen to it, and enjoy it.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Uprising"

"Resistance"

"Undisclosed Desires"

"Unnatural Selection"

"MK Ultra"

"Exogenesis" (Pts. 1-3)

-Kurt L.

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