Review by Lucy Thompson
Since forming in 1994, Muse have never been a band that have particularly amazed me despite however many good reviews they’ve received. However, The 2nd Law, otherwise known as “The Second Law of Thermodynamics” is the Devon trio’s latest studio album and has completely changed my opinion.
Opener ‘Supremacy’ sets the mood for a normal Muse album until we’re greeted with an instrumental change: driving riffs and a phenomenal bass sound opening the album brilliantly. Their first single from the album,‘Madness’, completely juxtaposes the opener, the slow tempo and repeated “Maaaaadness” sung by Matt makes this one of the dullest songs off the album which makes me wonder why it was chosen as a single. Olympic track ‘Survival’ is similar to this, another down-beat track but clearly suits its purpose.
Better songs include ‘Panic Station’, ‘Animals’ and ‘Liquid State’. All of these have Muse’s signature sound but are combined with faster riffs, brilliant bass sounds, immense drumming and developed vocals. Since Muse announced they were featuring more electronic dubstep on the album, it’s been the most talked about quality right up until the release. ‘Follow Me’ and ‘The 2nd Law: Unsustainable’ contain electronic synths, vocals and of course, that dubstep, bass drop. The fact they’ve managed to combine dubstep with a guitar-based sound is excellent.
The 2nd Law is a complete development and has ventured places no other bands have touched. Only Muse would mix dubstep with their signature rock sound and still (somehow) make it work. All in all, the trio seem to be one of those bands you either love or hate and admittedly, I didn’t particularly like them until I gave this album a listen. Imagine Queen mixed with previous work from Muse and a spice of dubstep. There you have it, The 2nd Law.
7 out of 10
Tracklisting:
- Supremacy
- Madness
- Panic Station
- Prelude
- Survival
- Follow Me
- Animals
- Explorers
- Big Freeze
- Save Me
- Liquid State
- The 2nd Law: Unsustainable
- The 2nd Law: Isolated System
Nice review Lucy, I haven’t heard the whole album yet but it sounds like the best thing they’ve done in a while. Nothing will probably match the excitement, drama and energy of Origin of Symmetry for me however!
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