Returning from their spaced out trip fiddling with buttons more than playing their instruments, we welcome back the holy trinity for their brand new effort, Drones. We find out if Neo hadn’t quite made the cut, what would have happened if Muse had taken the blue pill instead…
[tracklist]
1. Dead Insinde
2. [Drill Sergeant]
3. Psycho
4. Mercy
5. Reapers
6. The Handler
7.[JFK]
8. Defector
9. Revolt
10. Aftermath
11. The Globalist
12. Drones
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]52 : 00[/length]
[record_label]Warner Bros[/record_label]
[release_date]8th June 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
In an age where music has become disposable, lacking identikit sensibilities, Muse are true pioneers. With their new full length being a concept album revolving around the Orwell inspired tale of independent thought from Big Brother. The idea that humanity is essentially becoming desensitized to all qualities that makes us human. Our tale chronicles the rise and fall of our protagonist. Kicking things off with the Michael Jackson inspired “Dead Inside” instead of faltering like previous efforts retains the robotic sense of the metal world. An incredible trick to render a voice that sonically contains such emotion to sound completely devoid of independent control.
Drones very much caters to each era of Muse fan, with the aggressive edge that was first exhibited on Origin Of Symmetry, coupled with the classical leanings of Absolution, with the quirkyness of Black Holes. Tracks like “Psycho” remind us that Muse did at one point have a toe dipped in the more alternative pool, a fitting soundtrack to Full Metal Jacket. Not disparaging from its main beat the sense of urgency of the final chorus is nothing short of masterful.
My biggest pet peeve with the recent Muse incarnation has been the far too stripped back tracks with Bellamy wailing endlessly. “Mercy” might be a softer side of the band but it’s still got that bite, not to mention the space age keyboard riffs not seen since the days of Absolution. Falling into the same a territory is the inspiring “Revolt” where we see the culmination of our characters efforts, though it’s title might suggest an aggressive nature the song itself is uproarious surging exactly when it should.
Though where the new age of Muse blossoms is the latter portion of the album. “The Aftermath” yet another example of Muse’s eclectic tastes coming together fleshes out ideas that the band have had since the days of Absolution. Incorporating a full on orchestra the majestic close makes for a neat finish to our main concept. Separate from our narrative the ten minute wonder that is “The Globalist” is a striking set piece in its own right. Moving from the high noon-esque opening that would fit in on yellow clad Tarantino film effortlessly, to the apocalyptic countdown from our androgynous robotic voice signifying the world’s end.
Grooving in the way only Muse now how “Reapers” incorporates some truly inspired use of effects not to mention it has a solo in it! Creating a stomping riff reminiscent of classic Rage Against The Machine yet with Bellamy’s falsetto vocals make it quintessentially Muse. One of the brilliant pieces of the Muse puzzle is their inspired use of dynamics. Creating the illusion that there are more than just three members. Moving from an initially simple beat to then contain extra use of crash cymbals or something as simple as slight emphasis on bass drums creates a fantastic sense of anticipation exhibited on “The Handler” something that has been paramount to Muse’s delivery.
Title track “Drones” is our final example of the daring innovation that has long since been dormant in Muse. We hear a chorus of Bellamy’s overlayed upon each other to create a truly eccentric one man acapella. Neatly tying the album together with dystopian bow. Muse truly have returned to form, realising that the band needed to return to their bare bones approach Muse have exceeded all expectations. Working with esteemed producer Lange the band have created a record that oozes style but most definitely does not compromise substance. Thank god they didn’t take the red pill…
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]With their new record Muse have once again proven why they are heralded as one of the most creative bands out there. Incorporating elements from their in entire career Drones is a masterpiece independent of time.[/why]
If like what you read / heard then you can pick up a copy of Muse’s brand new album Drones here !
