Happy spooky season!
...And what better way to kick off my favourite time of year than with a Muse review.
Muse have always had a creepy essence to them. It's something in the tone, something in the lyrics , something in the album composition.
Every Muse album, I can visualise being made into a rather disturbing dystopian film… and 'Will Of The People' is no different.
Honing back in on the Orwell essence, Muse have hit a new theatrical level of never before in their recent album. A seamless emotional rollercoaster, tapping into everything from fear to loss to empowerment, with perfect pitches to accompany every single moment. The haunting riffs and, as always, the gorgeous tone of Bellamy's effects pad complete this album of many wonders, taking the listener on a journey that can be discovered by closing their eyes and being truly transported through the highs and lows of the album.
A personal favourite of mine, 'Ghosts (How Can I Move On)', reaches emotional Muse levels I have never seen to this extent. A perfectly crafted, haunting track that does exactly what the title says: it lingers; the aftermath of the emotions hangs eternally. It it strategically positioned in amongst the action of 'Won't Stand Down' and 'You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween' (two of my other favourites from the album) creating a lull in the storm as the drama unfolds around it; isolated and emotional.
I always love how Muse's albums tell a story in such a distinct - yet somehow still obscure - way, and this one is no exception. Still clinging to their motif of dystopian ideas, one can't help but wonder what chapter will unfold next.