BLACK HOLES AND REVELATIONS

Muse has yet to disappoint me. At first listen Muse are consistantly compared to Radiohead, and unfairly so...for both bands. Other than Bellamy's voice, there is very little similarity between them, Muse being far less experimental and far catchier than Radiohead. If Radiohead were the Beatles post Revolver, Muse would be ELO. Muse has a bevy of song-writing talent, fantastic instrumentation, plenty of variation and loads of appeal, but only one sound: EPIC

Every song they create, whether soft or heavy, fast or slow, is always intended to be epic and intense...and Black Holes is no exception. Black Holes And Revelations has an overpowering sound that can't possibly bloom from a mere 3 people, and every song has the gusto of the hit song to an anonymous soundtrack. Muse's 4th studio album is a tad crunchier than previous efforts, and perhaps less proggy, but no less incredible. The ferocious political lyrics and hook after hook make for a sonic adventure that is slightly predictable, but completely captivating.

The album's single: Supermassive Black Hole, gets a bit of negative attention, and I strongly defend it, for it is the most unique Muse song yet. It has an almost industrial sound with silly R&B lyrics and is just plain loud and fun. Knights Of Cydonia is easily the biggest beast on the album prog- wise, followed by Take A Bow. Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole and Assassin are the upbeat danceable tracks. Soldiers Poem is short and sweet, while Invincible is the so-called ballad. Hoodoo is unusual in a very good way; with a great creschendo of sorts. Exo-Politics and Glorious are typical Muse rock songs (not a bad thing) which fit right in the mix. All of the above are very good songs. Map Of The Problematique and City Of Delusion highlight the album to me, regardless of their lack of prog. Map has superb rhythmic drumming and grows ever so slightly in insensity and is easily one of my all-time favorite guilty pleasures. City Of Delusion is beyond huge, with spanish style acoustic and horns, great bass, funky overtones and overall perfect structure. Like I said: HUGE.

Just a side note: all Muse albums should be listened to at maximum volume at least once!

I love and highly recommend Black Holes And Revelations to anyone. Their music seems simple at first, but is too damn good to be. I give it 4 stars, as I would to every Muse album. I give the band 5 stars.

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