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Of all of the bands that sit and claim in interviews that they are trying something new, that what they’re recording is the best they’ve ever done, Muse has finally put all of that cliche to rest. Yes, The Resistance is only eleven songs long, but the shortest is four seconds shy of four minutes, with the epic “Unnatural Selection” clocking in at almost seven full minutes and the leading single “The Uprising” at over five minutes, there is plenty of new music to immerse yourself.

In the past, Muse has done more than prove and solidify themselves as one of the most, if not, the most talented musicians and songwriters in the business today and for quite some time. What is baffling is that after winning multiple awards, selling millions of albums worldwide, and appearing on top ten lists for nearly a decade, they still aren’t the household names that Coldplay garner. Unless the world gets a clue, The Resistance will do nothing to change that either, and not because of attempt and failure.

Muse refuses to adhere to any one sound. Sure, if you put in a disk of theirs or fire up the iPod and start playing Hullaballoo you’ll know right away, that’s what you’re hearing, between Matthew Bellamy’s distinctive voice and the fact that your earholes are getting rocked beyond compare. Otherwise, they fit nowhere. They aren’t emo, they aren’t grunge, and rock is far too generic by today’s standards. Muse has been lumped into the “alternative” label, but they aren’t the Smashing Pumpkins or R.E.M. They are an evolving trio writing some of the best music, and with every album, work harder and play better than before. The Resistance is no different.

At first look at my notes they appear to be all over the place, there are references to Serj Tankian’s vocals, early Metallica breakdowns, bluesy Led Zeppelin, and R&B basslines of today. Let’s not forget Queen-like refrains, heavy Depeche Mode influences on “Undisclosed Desires,” the recurring themes of love, hope, and not accepting an overbearing government, to rise up and speak out. And then there’s the ever-presence of this symphonic sound that they have, and let’s not forget the often talked about three-part “Exogenesis Symphony” at the end of this album. It appears to have been an afterthought that was tacked on in a last minute scramble to pad the album, but you should know better than to assume. It works, all of these elements work, from start to finish. From the not-so-radio-friendly single, “The Uprising” to the very last note of “Exogenesis” it all works, and that’s because Muse is the best band in the world.

Track Listing:
01. The Uprising (5:04)
02. Resistance (5:46)
03. Undisclosed Desires (3:55)
04. United States of Eurasia (+ Collateral Damage) (5:47)
05. Guiding Light (4:13)
06. Unnatural Selection (6:54)
07. MK Ultra (4:06)
08. I Belong to You (+Mon Cœur S’ouvre à Ta Voix) (5:38)
09. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 1 (Overture) (4:18)
10. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 2 (Cross Pollination) (3:56)
11. Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 (Redemption) (4:36)

The Resistance can be purchased on iTunes: HERE
The Resistance will be released on various dates throughout the world this coming week.
Muse’s official website: HERE
Muse’s official MySpace Page: HERE
Muse’s official Twitter Page: HERE

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