Muse
The Resistance

The Resistance has been turning heads and ears with the news that one of the greatest live rock bands of the moment has gone all classical. And yes, having been recorded with the help of an orchestra, and ending in a three part symphony called 'Exogenesis', there's no denying that aspect of their sound has been enormously developed. But don't worry, this is still undeniably Muse, recognisable for its mammoth guitar riffs, bendy electronics and Matt Belamy's s penetrating whine.

As far as their new classical direction goes, well, the direct extract of Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major that closes 'United States Of Eurasia' is a nice touch that fits well in this context, but sometimes the familiarities that abound through The Resistance begin to sound like a pastiche to every piece of orchestral music you've ever heard. That's not to say it's not pleasing to listen to. Muse blend their modern rock techniques with orchestral arrangements flawlessly, and it's certainly gratifying if not wholly original.

But let's face it, Muse were always better at rocking out with loud and sharp guitars, and the same is true for The Resistance. Opener 'Uprising' has shades of Dr Who along with Muse's own harmonious choruses, while the buzzing distorted guitar of 'Unnatural Selection' epitomises the Muse we know and love, making one of the album's highlights. There are notable exceptions to this rule though, and the bouncy old fashioned piano of 'I Belong To You' the jaunty plucked staccato string intro of 'Undisclosed Desires' are among the best of them.

Above all though, The Resistance is a brave and admirable move for Muse, and shows there's no end to their ambition.

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