Muse: The Resistance (Part 2: Resistance)

2. Resistance (5:47)

If you enjoy yourself some George Orwell "1984", chances are you will appreciate this track. The lyrics and the sound pretty much some up the relationships in that story, and manage to epxress the feeling one has while reading the book. Seeing as that is one of my favorite books...I dig the song. Oh, I dig it a lot.

The beginning is almost misleading. The song is one of the most diverse on the entire album, so though the track opens with an eeire, dark synth sound (that synth is MASSIVE, by the way. It's almost creepy watching the man play it), it rises to more than the slow, dream-like Muse we all know and love.

This is the perfect song to follow "Uprising". In the beginning, we felt the sense of rebellion, and had that whole "WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT" feel. Now we have the sense that something went wrong with that plan, and now we need a new one. Though Bellamy narrates the story with some sadness, there is still hope!


"Love is our Resistance/Keep us apart and they won't stop breaking us down/Hold me, or lips must always be sealed"


The love story continues, with racing tempos and chillling harmonies all the way up until the climax gets our hopes and rebellion up again...only to end back where we started; That eerie synth. You know, the one that leaves you with goosebumps (does anyone say "goose pimples" anymore? Gross.).

Like "Uprising", Bellamy is trying to tell us something. He's not going to take it anymore, dammit, and neither am I! What that is, you decide, but I think I have a pretty good idea.

Musically, everyone does their part, and well. Matt Bellamy (vocals/guitar/synth) has spot on lyrics, heart wrenching vocals, and that unmistakable guitar riff. Dom Howard (drums) plays those 16ths like his life depended on it, and gets the listener going every time. But I think it is Christopher Wolstenholme's bass that makes me fall in love. VIVA LA BASS!


So to sum up: eerie synth, diverse song, spot on lyrics, holy bass guitar!, 1984, thank you, Muse.


Rating: 4/5

MUSE: The Resistance (Part 1: Uprising)

MUSE's new album, "The Resistance" was released here in the U.S yesterday...and much speeding began. The album is so amazingly diverse (as are most Muse albums), so I am going to review the epicness one song at a time. Finally will come my overall rating...and I think we all know how that is going to end up.

Let's get this started, yes?

1. UPRISING (5:03)

The first single off the new album made me a little nervous at first. It has the rock, the synth, and the drama that other Muse songs hold...but it just...repeated. Of course, I immediately downloaded it anyway, but after listening about 501 times, I would skip to the next song after the first minuet. What was going on? Well, I still had faith that the rest of the album would be amazing.

But the more and more I listen to it, the more things I hear and the better it becomes. The build up to the second chorus, synth climbing included, has become my favorite part. And that mid song solo? It starts out small, and ends with an "IN YOUR FACE!" rockness.

I am making up a lot of words here.

Anyway--
I then watched Muse perform on the MTV VMA's (which was the only thing worth watching. Might I also add that I am extremely frustrated that OTHER circumstances that the VMA's shadowed really great acts. Muse is hardly mentioned even though their set was the best of the night. Yeah.)
The boys played "Uprising", and the question I used to have for the song completely disappeared. You have to see these guys live. I would bet it may very well be the best night of my life.

So now when I listen to "Uprising", I hear that synth build up, the fun dance-tastic tempo, and turn it up at that mid song solo...and everyone moves along.


And have I mentioned the lyrics?

"So come on
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the fat cats had a heart attack
They know that their time's coming to an end
Unify and watch our flag ascend"


GET IT, PEOPLE. At least someone does.




RATING: 4/5

I Change Shapes Just to Hide in This Place.

I think I may have found another perfect opener for The Killers. Don't get me wrong, M83, Chairlift, Phoenix, and Wolfmother are all overly amazing...but I feel this one should be more than considered:

I bring to you (nothing new, but still note worthy) that of Miike Snow.




They bring out the off beats and the synth rock. Not only is the music unique and trendy, but the lyrics are something you don't hear with your everyday alternative bands. A little taste of Scissor Sisters...but with a darker edge to them? Maybe? This guy matches up with Flowers's writing, and even love for the keyboards.

Perfect match? I think yes.
Not convinced with "Animal"?
Try "A Horse is not a Home" or "Black & Blue"


:::LONG LIVE THE SYNTH ROCK:::


Now, excuse me while I legally change my name to Chelsiie Baiird.