What do you do when a band that you’ve been a fan of since their birth changes their style in such a radical way, that it makes you feel almost as though the band that you liked in the beginning has become so far removed from what you once loved? Do you stick by them and defend them to others by saying “At least their sound is evolving!!” until you’re blue in the face? Or do you take a second to step back and look at the band’s previous body of work in order to make a fair judgment of the new direction that they’re now heading.. That was the conundrum that was bestowed upon me at the start of the week when I decided to listen to The 2nd Law, the new album by British symphonic space rockers Muse..
Now.. Before I get the review started there’s one thing that I really need to address.. And that’s that I’ve been a fan of Muse and just about everything that they’ve done since their beginning… When Muse get it right, they nail it. And although I think that over the course of the past few years that my own musical taste has perhaps outgrown them a little, I still think that I have the ability to try to write a fair and (hopefully) non-biased review of their new album.. I must admit that I found it incredibly hard to adjust to what the band has tried to do with The 2nd Law.. However, I do think that some people out there will lap it up a lot more than I did.. So I do feel the need to give caution that this review is obviously just one man’s opinion.. Please don’t start a flame war if you don’t agree with how I feel.. If you’ve heard it, and you love it then that’s great! On with the review!
The album starts out with Supremacy, a 5-minute track that managed to make me ask myself if Matt Bellamy’s ego had actually managed to expand to critical mass and implode… Man… Supremacy just managed to come off as so incredibly self-indulgent and over the top that after listening to the album for about the third time I just had to skip it from there on out.. Bellamy manages to reach such an obnoxiously high-pitched squeal in the song’s chorus that it gave me an earache.. Sounding a little something like he has had the ghost of Freddie Mercury trapped in his basement for the last few years and was forcing him to write songs for The 2nd Law, this song just didn’t resonate with me at all..
Continuing on from the almost too OTT intro track, The 2nd Law shifts into a very laid back groove with Madness, a song that at first listen I absolutely detested.. But after many, many repeat listens I actually found it to be semi-refreshing.. Although the lyrics seem to ooze the same kind of cheese that you’d hear in a song by a Top 10 pop artist, Madness did in fact remind me that sometimes Muse are really at their best when things are laid bare and kept simple… For a band that has fully embraced technology as a part of their album writing process they really do manage to hit the nail on the head when they slow things down..
Having spoken about the band’s strengths when it comes to laying things bare, I think it’s now time to address some of the tracks that really had me struggling to listen to during my week with The 2nd Law.. For starters there’s the albums first single, Survival.. A song that was somewhat of an anthem during the Olympics earlier this year.. This track once again served as one of those moments that made me wonder whether Matt Bellamy is even listening to some of the stuff that he and the band are laying down in the recording studio.. With lyrics such as “And I’ll light the fuse / And I’ll never lose / And I choose to survive / Whatever it takes / You won’t pull ahead / I’ll keep up the pace / And I’ll reveal my strength /To the whole human race” you’d almost think that Survival was penned by a 16-year-old who’d entered into a song writing contest for their favourite football team.. The lyrics are that bad..
Secondly, songs like the 80′s throw-back Panic Station feel almost completely out-of-place here.. I managed to cringe just about every time Bellamy did his best “WAAAAA!” in this song… I don’t know if it’s just me, but I really didn’t understand what direction Muse set their sails for when they put this album together.. The 2nd Law really does feel like a mixed bag of ideas that never completely fall into one cohesive package.. And as many fans feared when the album was first announced, there’s Dub-step thrown into the mix here too… The 2nd Law : Unsustainable surely has to be an example of one of the band’s more ridiculous moments in recent memory… Still.. as I said earlier, some folks out there will lap it up.. Unfortunately I didn’t..
Now… For all of the not so great stuff on this album, there are a few moments where the band manages to change things up a little for the better.. Although for me there were more valleys than peaks on this record, I found that the two tracks that were composed by the band’s long-term bassist Christopher Wolstenholme, Liquid State and Save Mewere welcome additions here.. The first time I actually heard both of these tracks I thought that someone at the record pressing factory was having a joke with me.. I genuinely thought that I’d gotten a dud copy of the album.. But not in a bad way… Whilst both felt like they could have been recorded by just about anyone besides Muse, I was drawn to both equally.. It really makes me happy to see that Christopher got a chance to shine as a frontman for a short time here.. It certainly beats the hell out of the whole overdone Dub-step thing.. that’s for sure..
Well… What more is there to say? Is The 2nd Law a monumental failure that’s going to ruin Muse’s credibility? Not a chance.. Is it the album that I was hoping for? Definitely not.. Do you think that Muse is going to release an album made entirely of Dub-step nonsense in the future? At this point, it’s anyones guess… Having addressed all of that I’m lead to an interesting point that I’ve always been very passionate about.. And that’s experimentation in music.. Some bands choose to do it and the pay-off is incredible.. Such as The Flaming Lips incredibly imaginative 2009 release Embryonic.. Or just about anything that’s ever been released by Deerhoof..
And then there’s those times where a band makes so many fundamental changes to the sound that endeared them to their audience that it almost alienates the fans that loved them in the first place.. This is one of those times.. But, if artists never experimented with their sound, quite frankly we’d be listening to the same old shit forever… So on one hand, it’s great that Muse tried to explore new and bold territory with this album.. But on the other, I think that it was perhaps territory that was best left unexplored.. One can only hope that this whole Dub-step thing is just a phase and that Matt Bellamy and co. will realize that they need not follow current trends.. They’re entirely capable of setting their own..
Disappointing.
Please don’t forget to check out Muse at any of their official pages below..
What did YOU think of this album? Love it, or Hate it? Leave a comment below!
I sort of instinctively agree with all you say, I think I’d feel very similarly. However, it has made my dubstep loving son discover some “old” Muse’s older tracks and that can only be a good thing. The only song (a part from unsustainable I am hearing now) I keep listening to over and over and over again is Madness. I too hated it at first, the very first time, then just got drawn and had to listen again and again. But yes your words sound about right. Also, he is dressed like an idiot with an idiotically well-tended beardy in the album pic and that does not play in his favour
It’s great to hear that your son is checking out some of the band’s older stuff!! I think that they’re definitely a band that’ll still be appreciated in years to come!! As for that beard……
Thanks for the review, I haven’t heard this album yet, so it’s great to read about it first!
Thanks for the comment! I hope you get a chance to at least check it out to make a fair judgement!
You’re so right about Maddness. I didn’t like it at first, but now it’s easily the one song I actually like off the album. I also agree with you. To me, the Dubstep sounds felt a bit more of a cash in than any actual expirementation, but either way it was nice to see them try something different, regardless of the actualy results.
Great review, as always.
Thanks Sam!! Madness did grow on me.. I just didn’t get into the whole dubstep thing… It doesn’t really help that I’m not a huge fan of dubstep, apart from maybe Pendulum and maybe a little Benga, I don’t really dabble in it!
I love Muse but this review has me worried about them/
This is an excellent review even if I do love “The 2nd Law”. I’ve been listening to Muse since 1999 and it’s fair to say they never disappointed me, no matter how they’ve evolved. I can understand that some people feel let down but I truly think this is a grandiose album. This was my truth, thank you for telling me yours !!! (yeah, still a Manic Street Preachers’ fan !).
Thank you!! Yes.. I was a little worried that I might upset a few diehard fans with this review.. I really hate being negative about any band.. I don’t think it’s fair to punish someone who’s putting something into the world that was made to be enjoyed!! I just didn’t get what I hoped for out of The 2nd Law!! But I’m glad you did!! And don’t stop listening to The Preachers!
Ok I promise I am in no way starting a flame war. Once again just sharing one man’s opinion. As a fellow long time supporter of Muse who first fell in love with the wonderful Showbiz, I think its funny that I agree with your overall feelings about the album while at the same time loving the exact opposite songs than you (almost). This is by far Muse’s weakest effort. I definitely think the album just does not hold together. Something about the structuring of the album and how they tried to throw in the kitchen sink instead of working with one set of new ideas.
On that note, I must say that the Christopher songs were at first a shock for me in the “who the heck?” way followed by “why why why?” and finally “whatever…”. I agree that its nice to let Christopher have the spotlight. However, lets face it, the man is boring. I find it especially frustrating because Matt recently said in an interview, [paraphrasing here] “Muse can sound completely different but you always know youre listening to Muse because of my voice.” Verdict for me: not bad, just boring and not Muse.
On the dubstep sounds, good for Muse. I think it shows that the band is listening to the sounds coming out of their neighborhood and saying “Hey, I like this sound, Lets step outside the box.” Experimentation can be growth like say Showbiz to Origin of Symmetry. I must admit I was sorely disappointed not in the fact that they tried dubstep but that their song the 2nd Law sounds like 2 parts of a three part epic where the 7 minute middle track that is an actually song with verses and a chorus was left out. Unsustainable isn’t so much bad, it just makes me feel like, “Ok so he’s setting the stage for an epic finale right?” And then “Isolated System” just fizzles out leaving me going “That sounded like an Outro… where was the actual song?” Verdict: Definitely a disappointing finish.
Survival, you can read much more about on my first impressions: http://doctorizmusicremedies.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/song-of-the-day-070712-muse-survival/
I feel I must defend Matt here. I agree with you, the song does sound like it was written by a 16 year old. On purpose. Matt was trolling the olympics. Since the Resistance but sometimes before and definitely here, Muse has become much more tongue in cheek. Their lyrics have taken a turn for the cheesy intentionally. Matt knows exactly how ridiculous he sounds and he wants it to be that way. Yes, you can still not like the song if you just dont enjoy that epic blast of hilarious energy, but remember that Matt is laughing at the song too. It isnt meant to be taken seriously. And if you think I’m just saying that to justify the sound to myself, take this quote from Queen’s Brian May about the Resistance: “I think they’re very good boys and extremely talented, and like us they have their tongue in cheek a lot of the time.”
One final point, and this one is my only real struggle with your review so I must ask. “Are you a fan of Origin of Symmetry?” Because then how can you not love “Supremacy”? The bass line! And as for the vocals, just look at “Microcuts”. Those were over the top vocals. And they were EPIC! I just find it surprising because if theres any song on this album that a traditional Muse fan should latch onto for hope, it is “Supremacy”. I think unless Muse goes back to the piano and quiet guitars of “Showbiz” then they should keep soaring to new highs and forget the quieter stuff.
All that being said, I still loved your review as usual and thank you for your opinion. It just shows that there are many different kinds of Muse fans out there and Muse seems to be trying to cater to all of them at the same time and still pull in new fans and it is leaving us all a little disappointed and a little bit hopeful.
Whoa… man.. thanks for the huge reply!! I honestly don’t even think I’m going to be able to reply to this in a per meaningful way!! I do definitely think that The 2nd Law is by far their most disappointing album… I was kinda disappointed with The Resistance, but this album really didn’t do it for me
Maybe my hopes were just a little too high going in?
The songs with Christopher were a bit of a change for me…. I think I found them slightly refreshing because a lot of the other tracks on the album were just a little too full on.. I honestly thought I wasn’t even listening to Muse when I heard them for the first time!
To be honest, I’m still quite mortified by the whole dubstep thing :S I’m ALL for experimentation, but it kinda made me feel like Muse were trying to jump on some sort of bandwagon in order to sound relevant.. The album really did feel like a bit of a mish mash of too many genres to feel complete.. :S It left me more confused than fufilled!! And it really made me wonder what on earth they’re going to do next!!
I’ll give them credit where credits due though, thank god they did try to push the envelope… I honestly think that the album wasn’t for me, but I know there’s people out there that will undoubtedly love it.. And it wont stop me from going to see them live next time they’re in Australia
Thank so much for the EPIC comment.. I’d never expected to have someone write something so constructive on here..!!!
I wanted to just “Like” your reply but I dont think thats an option so instead I’ll just tell you, I like your reply. Once again, glad we could have an honest discussion about our difference of opinion without getting defensive. That is a rare thing on the internet. One more question. Are you a fan of any dubstep? I just think that would totally be the dividing line between those being ok with Muse trying that sound verses those who absolutely dont. I am a fan and I was still disappointed when I heard the first 2nd law preview and the dubstep. I thought the same thing as you. “Jumping on the bandwagon aye?” I also said to myself, “Well, lets see what they do with it.” I ended up feeling like they didnt do much with it so I was disappointed, but still ok with them trying it. But if you dont like dubstep to begin with, then I think you have every right to completely dismiss it. For me it would be Pop Country music. If Muse made an american pop country album, it would be hard for me to enjoy solely based on the fact I dont enjoy the genre to begin with.
I too, am a lifelong Muse fan but the last two album, The 2nd Law and Resistance, have disappointed me. I agree with all that you’re saying, entirely. Especially about everybody lapping it up, my lifelong Muse fan friend just spent £123 on a ticket to see them, despite having seen them three times already, and he doesn’t really like The 2nd Law. Whatever Muse do, it will still sell out Arena’s, it’s like J.K. Rowling, she can write any piece of shit and it will sell. Good review, man!
Thanks for the comment!! yeah.. this was a tough one to review!! But it wont stop me from seeing Muse live though.. I think I’ve seen them about 4 times so far! And they really are excellent every time! I just wasn’t super moved by The 2nd Law… :S Maybe next time they’ll release something I enjoy more!
My pleasure! Yeah I agree, it takes a few listens to actually get a good opinion of it. I’ve only seen them once, and it was at a festival and the set list was really playing to a wide crowd rather than hardcore fans so it wasn’t that great for me. Good performer’s though! Here’s to hoping!
I completely disagree with you, unfortunately. I don’t recall if you read my “The 2nd Law” review, but in it I stated my view that it is one of 2012′s finest albums. However, I also had completely different expectations from the album’s main audience. I was not a Muse fan prior to listening, I was not expecting “that Muse sound” – and therefore I was not disappointed about the experimentation. Quite the contrary really, I welcomed it with open arms.
I do think your review is excellently written though, i just happen to disagree with most of your points.
Hey Man,
I think I kinda had muddied expectations when going in to this album which made me perhaps not enjoy it as much as I thought I would have..
Thanks so much for the reply!! Hrmm it’s a bit of a strange one.. I did check out your review and I liked it! It was good to get a different spin on things!!
Having said that though, I can totally understand that people out there will love the album! It just didn’t do it for me as much as I thought it was going to… It pains me as a “reviewer” to give anything a low score.. :S I guess it’s all opinion in the end.. And if you love it, then great! I really do love the fact that some people have disagreed with me on this one.. I’m just glad that they’ve done it nicely!!
Once again, thanks for the comment! I’m just glad I didn’t cause as big of a shitstorm as this guy… : http://thequietus.com/articles/10146-muse-the-2nd-law-review
To be fair, the article you linked is absolutely awful. It is written from a VERY elitist perspective and does practically nothing but insult the band. I see a big difference between insulting a band, their music and even hinting insults at their fans and the way you reviewed. You openly gave a negative judgement, but you did not do it in an insulting manner, nor did you do it for idiotic reasons, you simply stated your opinion and gave logical reasoning for it.
Haha yeah true… I read that article after I’d written mine and it puzzled me why someone would force their negative opinion THAT strongly on others… Honesty is the best policy… I have an incredibly strong dislike for “journalists” that hate on bands because they’ve become popular.. I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what the guy who wrote that article at thequietus has done… Oh dear…Thanks for your constructive comments man!!
Not a fan of Muse, but I like your observations. I, too, enjoy evolving artists (PJ Harvey, Bjork, Ministry, Beck), even when they evolve beyond my taste (Metallica, Megadeth, Prince, Beyonce), & I found it refreshing to read a one-time fan’s delineation of what went both wrong & right in a favoured artist’s new direction, something far beyond the typical ‘fuck them for fucking with MY fandom.’
Gotta say, I pretty much agree with you 100% on The 2nd Law. Madness is a bright spot, Panic Station is cringeworthy, and Muse don’t need to follow trends! Good review!
Clearly I have been in a tunnel because I had no idea this came out. Now to check it out. I’m not a big fan of dubstep so this will be interesting.
Great review, so honest to be from a fan of the band! I have a hard time being objective when it comes to my favorites.
To me, Muse was always just “okay”. I had no idea they were releasing anything new until “Madness” came on my car stereo, and it was very loud because I’d just listened to something else. I almost had to pull over when I heard “Madness”, THAT SONG FLOORED ME. I ran home, found it online, and listened to it on repeat. I understand Muse fans hated it, but good God. What a sensual, emotional, powerful piece. I’m still recovering.
I too am a Muse fan and I take a lot of shit for it from my more hardcore music fan friends. They think of Muse as derivative and have from the beginning. I also think that, but in a positive way. I have looked at their albums as a rock/pop equivalent of the hip hop “Mix-tape” release. There are so many on the surface elements of other bands/styles/songs that it’s almost a game to spot them. Second Law is no exception there. Madness is George Michael’s “Faith” slowed down and dressed in the current dub step wub-wub bass line. Follow Me is pure U2(even the counterpoint backing vocal is the Edge, echoing Bono). There are the usual suspects like Radiohead, Philip Glass and Queen…but here they manage to do even more of a mash up with Panic Station(Queen’s another one bites the dust and take me out by Franz Fredinand). Animals really dives back into Radiohead territory but to me the coolest one I spotted was the Muse cover…Explorers is them re-writing Invincible. All that being said, I enjoy the album for what it is…a huge, over the top sort of prog-pop record that was recorded extremely well(I love listening to it on vinyl) made by music fans. It reminds me of the way the stones and zeppelin fed the blues back to the americians who forgot about it. Bellamy is feeding Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Extreme, George Michael, Franz, Queen and his new fetish-of-the moment, dub-step back to us. I like it. I sometimes think it is a tad of a waste of his talent but I still enjoy it. Even the Christopher songs sound like Nuno Bettancourt’s(from Extreme) solo work. Look up a song called Karmala on youtube if you aren’t familiar with it…the chorus is spot on. Great review though. You’ve got another guy following
I have to say I’m a little bit shocked by this review. I’ve been meaning to listen to Muse’s new album for a while and simply haven’t gotten around to buying it yet. I’ll have to give it a listen to see what I think, but thanks for the insightful thoughts on the album.
No problem at all man… I think I may have been being a bit of a negative Nancy when I wrote this review… It’s generally not my style to really pick at something.. But I think I was a little turned off by the album as a whole…
Definitely don’t let my review take away from your enjoyment of the album when you eventually check it out!!
Thanks for reading and following, I really appreciate it!!
- Michael