The Legendary band return with one of their most consistent albums in a while.
Muse were always destined for great things. Their earliest releases had a sprinkling of magic to them. Whilst the debut album Showbiz had hints of greatness, the follow up Origin of Symmetry was a superb album and the next few albums were chock full of monster singles. They established themselves as one of the greatest, if not the greatest live act in the world. Their 10th anniversary performance of Origin Of Symmetry in full at Reading Festival in 2011 is one of Reading Indie Life’s all time favourite live performances. The last few albums have been somewhat uneven though, a band that were a bit short on ideas. The Wow! Signal marks a definite return to form.
The first taste of the album, ‘Unravelling,’ was a monster comeback, way heavier than any of their recent output had been. ‘Be With You’ rather split the fanbase. Some loved it, some called it the weakest single they had put out. It has grown on us. ‘Cryogen’ is not a bad track but it was very much an over-familiar offering, reminiscent of half a dozen other Muse songs released over the years. It seems an odd choice of single given how many other interesting tracks are on the album. ‘Hexagons’ was a better pick, a track that could have easily sat on and complemented Origin of Symmetry.
The album starts with ‘The Dark Forest,’ a typical fascination with sci-fi styled themes, but pinned on top of an almost Lawrence of Arabia style orchestration. It goes full space-opera at the three minute mark with all the absurdity and brilliance that Muse conjure at their best. Matt Bellamy’s voice sounds fantastic here, and is in great form across the album as a whole. ‘Nightshift Superstar’ was the most recent single and a real surprise release. It borders on funk-disco, the kind of track you would not be surprised to find Chic legend Nile Rogers attached to as a guest star.
‘Shimmering Scars’ feels far more contemplative, almost like it should sit on a film soundtrack. ‘The Sickness in You & I’ is another fine heavy-rock cut. The lead in from that track into ‘Unravelling’ is one of the high-points of the album. The Ellie Goulding duet, ‘Hush,’ is an unexpected highlight. ‘Space Debris’ wraps things up in slower, more controlled fashion.
This is Muse’s best album in years, reminding you of why you fell in love with them in the first place. It won’t do anything to win other those who have never got on with the band. If you have ever enjoyed their bombastic rock though, then this is a real treat.
Essential Tracks: ‘Nighshift Superstar,’ ‘Hexagons,’ ‘The Sickness In You & I,’ ‘Unravelling’ and ‘Hush’
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