The title of Muse's tenth sound seal is eloquent: “The Wow! Signal”
On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University picked up a 72-second radio signal: narrow, intense, anomalous, located at the frequency of neutral hydrogen. Astronomer Jerry Ehman scribbled “Wow!” on the computer sheet of paper. From there, the expression stuck. Muse took it, built a concept album around it, and the result is their tenth album.
The sonic externalization of that suggestion begins with The Dark Suiteover five minutes of cinematic march with shades between the western and Indiana Jones, which veers towards an orchestral space with choral songs in Latin. The impact is undeniable, the pomposity too. The next one Nightshift Superstar it pursues almost dance pop atmospheres, driven synths, heavy bass, persistent drums. Shimmering Scars introspective part and then gives in to the epic rock typical of the latest Muse.
Cryogen And Be With Youchurch organ included, move in the same sound universe. Hexagons opens with a prog intention and then dissolves into the usual space-rock while The Sickness In You & I he has a bass that doesn't ask for permission.
The most successful moment is perhaps Hushwhere Ellie Goulding joins Bellamy on dark electro-pop verses and an eight-string guitar riff. Goulding does not dominate, he does not disappear: his velvety timbre works as a counterpoint, and the dynamic between the two recalls certain vocal tensions of Evanescence. Space Debris he closes the album with an intimate retreat that serves a purpose: it repositions everything that came before, it closes the cosmic circle without forcing it.
Bellamy's voice remains the band's strongest asset. Brilliant, capable of inhabiting angelic harmonies and sudden urgencies without losing control. Dan Lancaster's writing and production brings new energy, moves the band out of a certain stasis of recent years. The result is an eclectic album, coherent with itself, built to work in stadiums and in all likelihood it will succeed. Less suited to solo listening, but that wasn't the goal.
Origin of Symmetry And Absolution they stay where they are. But this isn't a record that tries to be those, and maybe that's the right choice.
SCORE: 7.00
TO LISTEN NOW
The Dark Forest – Hush (Feat. Ellie Goulding) – Space Debris
TO SKIP IMMEDIATELY
Two listens are difficult.
