ABSOLUTION

I discovered Muse way before its inclusion on PA. So, no surprise for me when comes the time of this review. This ain't prog (but none of their work is). IMO, Muse is one of the most interesting rock bands of the moment (with Franz Ferdinand, Clap Your Hand , Placebo and Arcade Fire to cite a few). I go and see a reasonably high numbers of concerts year in, year out. When I go to watch true prog bands, the audience is almost my age (late forties) and usually the audience ranges from 300 (the majority) to 1500 (very rare) people.

When I went to see Muse for their "Absolution" tour, the concert hall in Brussels was packed (9,000) and sold out. I looked like a rarety in the hall. I could easily be the father of most of the audience. So, I 'm not quite sure that youngsters are keen to listen to "prog" bands nowadays and to me, there is no doubt about their "progness, even releated). Anyway, they are integrated in PA and since it is one of the bands I really appreciate (especially live) , I will not complain.

This album starts brilliantly with a great trio of songs. The title track with his dual tempo is extraordinary and very emotional, while "Time Is Running Out" is of course at the opposite : a wild and brilliant pop/rock song. The opening number (opening their show as well) was a great moment of the concert and is a very good choice to start this album.

"Stockholm Syndrome" is another fabulous song. A "noisy" intro but a very catchy melody. At times an incredible and extremely powerful riff will invade your loud speakers. Almost punkish as well. It is an incredible song : complex, violent, at times irritating, heavy. Muse in all its splendour. Another of my fave of this great album so far.

Just to cool down, Muse will prolonged the tradition of slow and peaceful tracks. They will usually be inserted after powerful ones. Exactly what happens here with "Falling Away With You". Almost acoustic at times, a pleasant chorus will rank this song into the good ones. And if you like heavy ones, do not worry. After a short and useless interlude : "Hysteria" is there. Another excellent number combining the strenghts of a traditional Muse song. Great drumming from Dominic in this all mighty song.

Another slow transition with "Blackout" and another attempt to "Unintended". Same exceptional emotional feeling, but a bit too mellowish. My least preferred song here, but I usually like their fast, bumping and fresh rocking songs more than the slow ones.

From the very first notes of "Butterflies And Hurricanes", you know immediately that a great moment is ahead. Another more complex song with some theme variations : mellow intro, strong rocking but very melodic middle-part, an opera-like piano and strings part (fully classical) and back to the opening. Very effective and so diversified.

Back the punkish sounds again, with "The Small Print". Another rhythmy (to say the least) track. But the exceptional melody again will turn this one into a very bearable song (but not for the average progheads, believe me). This album is bloody damned good. As usual, a slow one follows. "Endlessly" is almost childish. Same mood as for "Blackout" and same appreciation. Not too great.

I was a bit afraid that the same would happended like in their previous albums, meaning that they were a bit disappointing towards the last few tracks.

Fortunately, "Thoughts of a Dying Atheist" is far from being a filler. A wonderful melody as well and a "pogo" song at times (you know : "Pogo Dancing" : when goes up, must come down). Just great, I'm afraid. "Absolution" will close on a very slow tempo : "Ruled By Secrecy" is again on the mellow side of their repertoire, but a very nice piano part will come as a nice conclusion. This is by far my favorite Muse album. "Absolution" remains fantastic almost throughout all its lenght (only two weaker numbers). In terms of rating, it deserves more than four stars but not really fave. But since there (unfortunately) no other choice possible (so far ?), I will upgrade it to five star. A great almbum of rock music.