THE RESISTANCE

Just because I am a long time fan, and I was particularly curious to discover "The Resistance" since I'm going to experience my second concert with the band in November (Antwerp). It is true to say, that their live sets are really great. As a cue, I have to tell you that I was rather charmed with "Absolution" and only moderately with "Black Holes".

So, what about this release?

Well, that their music is still very energetic and catchy ("Uprising", "Resistance"). Some classical "Muse" item for "Undisclosed Desires" won't let the fan in unknown territories Another very good song which closes a fine trilogy of openers.

We are also used that their albums start quite brilliantly, but were tending to decrease in quality towards the last third of their works; so let's wait for this one?

"US Of Eurasia" is a fine rock ballad à la "Unintended". An interesting Oriental break speeds it up at half time and provides some originality in this song. The quiet piano finale conveys such a tranquil flavour indeed...Another good one just as "Unnatural Selection" which is another winner: a typical "Muse" rock song as we all know very well. It starts rather slow and then all of a sudden, it explodes jolly good as "Muse" can do.

I guess that this song is a brilliant summary of "Muse" music: solid, wild, melodic, pop & catchy. I like this mix extensively. The lenght of the song (almost seven minutes) also allows the band to explore different styles. A quite convincing tune for sure.

It is also true to tell that some passages are somewhat "Queen" oriented. But I can't complain about this.

The next song is quite a classic "Muse" affair: on the heavy rocking edge which is the side that I most prefer with this band ("MK Ultra"). I was never too pleased with their light rock ballads that were filling the last third of some of their previous work. Nothing as such here. Even if "I Belong To You" is somewhat mellow and pompous.

So far this album is fully in line with their previous records (even if upbeat oriented) and there are virtually no reasons at all to be disappointed with this album. The only moment during which the band IS different is of course during the mini-suite "Exogenesis".

An orchestra has been even added to offer some extra dimension to this piece of work. Oriental mood, spacey landscapes: yes this is different to what the band has used their fans so far. And it is warmly welcome to tell you the truth (even if somewhat too classical to my taste).

"The Overture" is grandiose at times, "Cross-Pollination" holds some Gershwin tenderness combined with the power of a true "Muse" track. "Redemption" which is the closing part of this trilogy is probably one of the most melodic "Muse" moment available here. Moving my prog friends.

I am only lacking some more smoother links between the different sections to give a feeling of unity. But anyway, the band tried something different and should be granted for.

To make a long story short, "The Resistance" is a very good rock album (even tinted with prog during the closing track). It sits between "Absolution" (which is my favourite of the band - five stars) and each other previous albums (which I have rated with three stars).

Four stars for this resistance work. I'm looking forward to see them live again in a very near future. I really wonder how they would include "Exogenesis" in their set (if at all possible).

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