Since its release, on September 2009, The Resistance has received generally favorable reviews.
However, there have been a few not so favorable critiques, merely focused in the relentless, and yet futile, accusations that MUSE is just emulating Queen or Radiohead or any other band or artist in which any of their genre/sound experimentations can be reflected upon.
Granted that the band have their influences, like every other band an artist on this planet, but "The Resistance", which tops very nicely 15 years of professional musical career for this trio, only proves the undisputable fact that MUSE have their own identity, regardless of influences, and an identity that is ever-evolving like creativity itself.
The Resistancestarts out with“Uprising,” with a futuristic dance beat created by Chris Wolstenholme (bassist).
Much has been said about the song´s lyrics in terms of being "a call to rebellion of the masses" but whatever the interpretation that one may make of it, Matt Bellamy makes very clear throughout the album that "Love" is the ultimate way and the ultimate end.
As he stresses in the song "Resistance", Love is the ultimate rebellion/resistance.
“Undisclosed Desires”, written by Bellamy, and inspired in a personal relationship, further proves, in one hand ,the band´s willingness to experiment boldly and successfully and, in another, Bellamy´s romantic sensitivity.
Whilst the song may at first appear to implicate a sexual context is, however, based on emotional scars, past romantic dissapointments, the fear to open up to another person intimately again and the desire to heal these wounds honestly and lovingly. Bellamy declares the love of a man for a woman, or the love of a human being for another human being in this song. Sexual implications can just be perceived as the result of true closeness not as the means to it.
“United States Of Eurasia” made available as a free download via MUSE´s website, and followed by an instrumental solo entitled "Collateral Damage", based on Nocturne In E-Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 by Frédéric Chopin, is, on its lyrics, based largely on *Brzezinski´s viewpoint that the Eurasian landmass, (ie Europe, Asia and the Middle East), needs to be controlled by America to secure the oil supply.
Using a multi-tracked-style of vocals is a great example of MUSE´s ability to mix and re-create hypnotic fusions, this time within a cinematic-rock-drama-arabic landscape.
The album ends with the fifteen minute, three-part symphonic piece, “Exogenesis,” which successfully delivers a treat of sorts, from the luscious delicacy of the piano driven "Cross Pollination" and "Redemption" to the enveloping grandiosity of "Overture".
In conclusion, would we recommend purchasing "The Resistance"?: ABSOLUTELY.
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