ABSOLUTION

Absolution was recommended to me by a friend on the premise that I was (and still am) a RADIOHEAD fan. I knew nothing about the MUSE at the time and listened to the disk several times in different situations and over an extended period of time.

At first, I was of course more than stunned by the overwhelming similarity with RADIOHEAD, which was not only in terms of vocal expression of the singer M. Bellamy, but also in the composition and stylistic practice (gentle, sweeping and melancholic, chamber pop balladry Vs. noisy guitar-driven and electronically empowered speedy rockers). Later, I became even much less impressed. Although I can hardly point to any obvious error or weakness - the technical side of the album is perfectly played and produced, even the songwriting is decent and written "by the book" - I cannot help but feel that a large portion of its obvious popularity lies in its following the beaten path of "OK Computer" and later RADIOHEAD efforts.

It is fairly listenable, decent copycat of RADIOHEAD with certain post-Brit-pop mainstream leanings, but the music that offers me nothing new that I already had not heard.

PERSONAL RATING: 3/5

P.A. RATING: 3/5