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Rather than waste time on Kayne, we have the much-anticipated new album from the UK group Muse to consider.  I will say that this record has not disappointed me yet.

All of Muse’s previous works have showcased their ability to throw heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and surgical piano sense in all of their songs.  Matt Bellamy knows how to craft a radio ready hit and then blast you with something you wouldn’t expect from a guy that sings like Jeff Buckley.  Listening to their other releases you get a sense that Muse hadn’t quite figured out who Muse was yet.  They also weren’t big enough to try something like this.

The Resistance is dense with guitar work, keytar work, solid beats, a little French, and a stab at Queen.  “Uprising”, the lead single, opens the album and sets the tone that there are forces at work trying to enslave our minds and we have to be free.  A little research tells you that this album is centered on George Orwell’s classic 1984, painting a dark image of the world without any unity and a lack of freedom.  Songs like “Unnatural Selection”, “Resistance” and “MK Ultra” blend in well with their old catalogue and prove the boys can rock.  “United States of Eurasia (+ Collateral Damage)” is their Queen-like salute, and they do a much better job than My Chemical Romance ever could have.

The final 16 minutes of the album are devoted to a three part symphony Matt created years ago and has had the chance to record.  This alone should tell you that these guys have much larger plans ahead with whatever they release.  Until that time, I recommend this album, or any of their previous, if you are looking for something different.