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.

_______________________________________________________