Muse - Black Holes & Revelations

Analyzing any album is difficult. The latest album from the British trio is no different. Following their widely popular album Absolution, Muse's fifth album explores a distinctly more synthetic sound. Opening with an undulating electronic orchestra and ending with “Knights of Cydonia”, a single with sentiments of the Wild West, the message is difficult to decipher. That is, until you hear the lyrics. Politically charged songs (and song titles) unite the album in all its techno glory. “Cast a spell on the country you run/and risk, you will risk/you will risk all their lives and their souls/and burn, you will burn/you will burn in hell for your sins.” Other songs are less obviously aggressive, however, perhaps because of the infectious beats produced by drummer Dominic Howard. “Starlight”, for example, starts off as an '80s throwback--completely danceable and carefree. Then the eponymous lyrics segue into a ballad, keeping things interesting. Their third track “Supermassive Black Hole” is truly unexpected. It is--in a word--cool. Rock with falsetto? Freddy Mercury was a master, and Matthew Bellamy (lead singer/guitarist) proves to be a suitable understudy. And then, “Maps of the Problematique” appears. If “Starlight” is danceable, then “Maps” is laughable. A ring tone in the making, and an influence the album could do without. The album continues, less impressively, until “Assassin.” A veritable Headbanger’s Ball, Matthew’s voice literally soars over the well-grounded bass line produced by Chris Wolstenholme. Thus continues the album, with incredibly complex songs like “City of Delusion” and “Hoodoo.” The fact that Muse couples Arabic and Spanish influences into modern rock successfully reaffirms their undeniable talent. Muse creates imagery in each of their songs, and the passion within their work is evident. An analysis of this album proves only this--Black Holes & Revelations deserves to be listened to. Maybe even more than once. [www.muse.mu]