Absolution - Muse

...released in 1999. Although Absolution received bad reviews, stating Muse have lost their charm and remodelled themselves to make their music more commercial, I disagree. It was inevitable after the all the anticipation Absolution would be met with some apprehension and I do admit some of the tracks do seem more commercial than that on Showbiz or on their second release Origin of Symmetry. However that doesn’t necessarily mean that a band has suddenly ...
...rock to their fullest! Absolution as an album which constantly contradicts itself, on one song there will be heavy distorted guitar riffs and in the next soft calm acoustic guitar. Many bands cannot achieve the contrasts of songs so well, in my opinion it is something that comes naturally to Muse, and this is probably why this album is suited to not only heavy rock fans, but fans of music as a whole. If you buy this album just because you like the ... more

Muse’s third commercial album, Absolution, arrived onto the scene in September 2003. It was a highly anticipated release, after the success and excellence of their previous, Showbiz which was released in 1999. Although Absolution received bad reviews, stating Muse have lost their charm and remodelled themselves to make their music more commercial, I disagree. It was inevitable after the all the anticipation Absolution would be met with some apprehension and I do admit some of the tracks do seem more commercial than that on Showbiz or on their second release Origin of Symmetry. However that doesn’t necessarily mean that a band has suddenly lost all their talent!! The fact that Absolution debuted at number one in the album chart, proved that the band were far from extinction. In my opinion, in Absolution, Muse have successfully created a album of rock, mingled classical, pop and even metal tones.

Muse are Dominic Howard (drums) Chris Wolenstone (bass) and Matt Bellamy (vocals) The band who originate from Teignmouth in Devon have been playing together since their school days. Their influences include American rock bands, such as Primus and Nirvana. It was using these influences that Muse found success in America, in 1998 they were signed by Maverick records after several knock out performances around the U.S. However America were not the only country to see Muse’s talent. Eventually they were signed in the UK by mushroom records, it was then that Muse decided to concentrate on catching as many fans from their homeland, however this was a challenge, especially fighting against already popular brit rock bands such as Oasis. The first positive association occurred when Muse were compared to another successful British rock band, Radiohead. It was clear from the debut, Showbiz that Matt Bellamy had the same haunting vocals of Thom Yorke. The success of showbiz was immense, it gathered rave reviews and Muse pocketed several awards. With the release of their second album “Origin of symmetry” Muse established themselves as a band with longevity, performing at Glastonbury, V festival and even a one off performance alongside Status Quo. It was with all this experience that Muse established themselves as a successful British rock band.

Just from listening to a track such as “Hysteria” or “Stockholm Syndrome” it is obvious that Muse are extremely talented musicians. Their talent seems to overthrow that of bands like Oasis and Blur and live up to standards made by Brian May. This is not surprising considering Matt Bellamy has had classical music training and can play many instruments to a high standard. It is only when you listen to certain album tracks that the classical influences shine through. So although it can be said that Matt Bellamy’s vocals are similar to that of Thom Yorke from Radiohead, it just could be the fact that Bellamy has moulded his classical vocal training into form a more suitable voice for rock music. Although comparisons have been made to Radiohead, when you actually sit down and listen to a Muse album you realise that the musical style is different. The only similarity I have found is that the both the bands music can be classed as depressive! Bellamy sings with pure ease, and the incredible chords and riffs in many Muse songs suggests that although Bellamy has been lucky enough to receive training, most of his talent is natural. Many describe Matt Bellamy as the success of Muse. This maybe the case as his musical talent is one of a high standard, however the two other members are in no way behind. It is the fact that the musicians mix together so well that Muse write and produce such good music. Matt Bellamy is a fantastic front man, which is probably why all the praise and media coverage focuses on him!

“Apocalypse please”, starts the album off as soon as it starts it sets the atmosphere which is set for the rest of the album, it’s a chilling and track. Apocalypse please is a good song to start off the album, it is catchy and although isn’t particularly heavy and shows off Muses’ musical talent and it’s a taster of what is to come. The song starts off which heavy piano chords with very emotive lyrics and vocals, the vocal arrangement on this song works so well and the harmonies really do give this song an eerie feeling!

“It’s time we saw a miracle, come its time for something biblical”

“Time is running out” was the third release from the album. I instantly liked this track after hearing it, even though it does have a very commercial edge to it, as the guitar riffs aren’t particularly heavy. This track starts off fairly simply by using one drumbeat and a clicking of the fingers, this song progresses very cleverly, the guitar riffs seem to creep in! I like the way this song is set out, it’s a very unique song and again the lyrics and vocals are to a high standard. Although this song is not spectacular filled with complicated riffs, it is a good and catchy. Whether it could be classed as a Muse classic, is another matter

“I tried to give you up, but I’m addicted”

As soon as “Sing for absolution” starts, you are hit with a different softer edge to Muse. Matt Bellamy’s vocals are high and soft and slightly distorted. Again this song has an eerie feel to it. It is only at the chorus at the guitar riffs and heavier drums start to appear. The piano riff in this song is very catchy and mixes so well with the vocals and it is in this song Matt Bellamy really shows off his vocal range, its really impressive. As a single I don’t think this song would be successful, it is however an amazing song which fits into the album incredibly well. I did hear a live version of this song when Muse performed at the V festival and I really was blown away at the breakdown as Bellamy’s vocals were amazing.

“Lips are turning blue, a kiss that cant come true”

Stockholm Syndrome” is my favourite song from the album and in my opinion is probably one of the heaviest. As soon as the song starts you are hit with a fantastic guitar riff and heavy drums. The bass line is also pretty noticeable in this track. It isn’t only the backing, which is heavy Bellamy’s vocals are really strong and have a great raw edge to them on this track, which is such a contrast to the previous. Even though this song does start out pretty heavy, it does progress to become even heavier!! At one point the ad libbing on the guitar is so fast I am surprised his fingers haven’t fallen off by the end of it, the same goes for the piano!! If you are looking to hear a song which shows off musical ability this is the song to listen to. Even if you are not a Muse fan, or even a rock fan, you really can appreciate the complexity and musicians ability in this track. I could listen to this song for hours!!!

“And we’ll fight and well fall and we’ll burn, all to no avail”

“Falling away with you”, is a calm and uplifting song, which is quite different to most of the songs on the album. The track starts off with soft acoustic guitar. Bellamy’s voice starts off so different on this track, in each song he seems to be able to change his voice, which is really refreshing. This track also shows off Muse’s versatility, it is quite different to the previous tracks on the album, although it still does have that distinctive Muse edge to it.

“Forget the reckless things we’ve done I think our lives have just begun”

The next track is entitled “interlude” and is 37 seconds of a very distorted guitar sound. Strange as it seems it fits in as almost an extra introduction to the track “Hysteria”, which is one amazing song! It blew me away when I first heard it. The song has two great guitar riffs in it, one played by the bass and one by the lead guitar. Although this song isn’t really heavy it does have that real raw edge to it, which I think Muse are best at producing. The song starts off with that catchy bass riff which instantly caught my attention when I first listened to it! I was so impressed with the structure of this track, and again the musical ability of muse really does shine through.

“ I’m endlessly caving in and turning inside out”

“Blackout” is quite a unique track to the album. Bellamy’s vocals a eerie and haunting throughout this song, which is complimented by the complex string arrangement. At no point does this song change like many other tracks introducing complex guitar riffs; instead it stays soft and haunting. The vocals are also interesting in this track, they similar to a choral arrangement. This isn’t a favourite track of mine on the album, however it is a very good calming track after the strong hysteria!

“Don’t grow up too fast, and don’t embrace the past”

“Butterflies and Hurricanes” is the latest release from the album, and although I like the song I feel there were other worthy single releases from the album. The song reminds me of a typical Queen song. The song is quite a positive and this is portrayed not only through the lyrics but the musical style. The track is quite uplifting and the vocals are strong and make a great impact. This song like many other Muse songs builds up really well. A good point in Butterflies and Hurricanes is the magnificent grand piano solo. This is the song that matt Bellamy really shows off how well he plays the piano.

“Best you’ve got to be the best, got to change the world, use this chance to be heard, your time is now”

“The Small print” is a really catchy rock/pop song. In my opinion a great candidate for a single as it is so catchy. It reminds me of something a band like the Strokes would produce, but don’t let that put you off ;) Compared to many Muse songs this track is more up tempo and it makes a refreshing change. The bridge is has a great bass line to it, which builds up great to the chorus.

“Sell your memories for £50 a year”

When you first listen to “Endlessly”, you may even forget you are listening to Muse. It has a rather catchy electronic beat and keyboard riff to it. I’m not too keen on this song, although it is pretty catchy, its just not Muse enough for me. It reminds me of a song which I’m sure was released in the 80’s mixed with a bit of Pet shop boys?!! However the lyrics are very emotive and so are, as always are Bellamy’s vocals.

“I wont give you up, I wont let you down, I wont leave you falling”

“Thoughts of a dying atheist” is a fantastic track. The song starts off not typically Muse, and builds up to one of the catchiest chorus. In my opinion this track would be a good single release and its not too heavy but still has the slight edge to it that muse are famous for. The musical ability of the band may not be so apparent in this track, but the breakdown features a rather good guitar solo by Bellamy!

“It scares the hell out me, and the end is all I can see”

“Ruled by secrecy” is another eerie and haunting song, which although may not be considered as a good way of finishing an album off, for me it is calming. It suits to be placed at the end of the album, as it wouldn’t fit in anywhere else! It is a very slow song with vocals to match. Although it is calming, it is in my opinion the weakest track on the album, even if it does have some very good piano chords in it!

From this album it is clear that Muse don’t half heartedly rock, when they rock they rock to their fullest! Absolution as an album which constantly contradicts itself, on one song there will be heavy distorted guitar riffs and in the next soft calm acoustic guitar. Many bands cannot achieve the contrasts of songs so well, in my opinion it is something that comes naturally to Muse, and this is probably why this album is suited to not only heavy rock fans, but fans of music as a whole. If you buy this album just because you like the singles that have been released you will not be disappointed as all of the tracks are as strong as each other. Likewise this album will not disappoint Muse fans, and it is in my opinion as strong as “Showbiz” or “Origin of symmetry”.

Highly recommended

 

...less