Muse lead vocalist Matthew Bellamy's vocal timbre bears a distinct similarity to that of Thom Yorke, leading some to dismiss Muse as simply a band of Radiohead-worshippers. With ABSOLUTION, however, the UK-based group proves that it's much more than the sum of its influences, delivering a work that revels in the enormity of its ambition, the breadth of its sonic palette, and the intensity of its emotional resonance. Employing a daring mix of classical-influenced piano and strings, metallic guitars, unabashedly strident house-style synths, and the type of production bombast usually reserved for Queen or ELO, Muse often sounds like an otherworldly jam session between Rufus Wainwright, Front Line Assembly, the Move, and Evanescence. Packed with both pop hooks and unusual instrumental textures at every turn, ABSOLUTION invites listeners to expect the unexpected.
Recorded at Grouse Lodge Studios, Westmeath, Ireland; Livingstone Studios and Air Studios, London, England; Cello Studios, Hollywood, California; Sawmills Studio, Cornwall, England.
Producers: Rich Costey, Muse, Paul Reeve, John Cornfield.
Muse: Matthew Bellamy (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Chris Wolstenholme (bass, background vocals); Dominic Howard (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Paul Reeve (background vocals, samples).
Rolling Stone (4/1/04, p.89) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[G]ive Muse, from the English town of Teignmouth, some credit for adopting Radiohead's bombastic BENDS approach and adding prog-rock-style instrumental virtuosity." Q (Magazine) (p.121) - "Muse's grandiose ideas and boundless energy are channelled into songs that rarely last longer than five minutes. Progressive rock for the post-Nirvana generation."
WoW!!! This is the best cd I have heard in a LONG time. Unbelievable song writting. A melodic dream, mixed with straight out rock. Utilizing song structure. And lyrical genius. You will not be disappointed with this choice! Submitted by baxterbread (Portland, OR) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Muse is the perfect man Edgy, compelling, dangerous, sexy, powerful. Muse has a sound that pushes you up against the wall and gets in your face. But unlike many bands that make similar music, Muse actually has something to say. There's a marriage between the mood of the lyrics and the mood of the music that allows for their message to not only be cried out but to resound. Even the softer songs (or the ones that start out softly) have a quiet, burning intensity, like water seeping out of a crack in the wall of a dam. Not only that, but each song has its own character. Just when you get comfotable, Muse takes you for a spin. From the military march of the Intro to the bitter-sweet cry in "Ruled by Secrecy," this album is a rush through and through. Submitted by s0ult0nes (Warrensburg, MO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Disregard the other guy from Toronto. This album will not disappoint you, but it is important that it be seen as the third in a line of albums that all relate to one another - like Tool's albums. I was personally more impressed by the first album of Muse, Showbiz, but this album fits perfectly in their portfolio - as an impressive stand-alone album. Furthermore, let me just say, in defense of this album, that one shouldn't bring personal preference into the picture when one attempts to review an album - especially when said personal preferences include weak bands that will be utterly discarded and forgotten in the span of musical time (unlike the band in question). Submitted by Hunter (Toronto, ON, CAN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Excellence in Music By no means "overrated", this is yet another intricate work of art by a truly amazing group of musicians. This album was my "introduction" to what has become one of my favorite bands.
Admittedly, their sound is extremely unique, and almost overwhelming when you first listen to it, but the reward for becomming familiar with this music is a rare gift. It's without a doubt one of the few bands with "soul" standing on top of heaps of empty, hollywood rubbish. Submitted by Aaron (Wherever there's a AFB, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Overrated??????? u r kiddin'! There is a differnce my friend between the genres you prefer and the objectievly good music. I also love dream theater (more than muse)but the fact they're prog. metal and Muse alter.rock doesn't make them any better...Absolution is a great album (and so is Black Holes and revelations) with nice lyrics, very good skill, powerfull rythm section and extrodinary, heartbreaking melodies (Butterflies and Hurricanes, Falling Away with you, Endlessly, Stockholm Syndrome etc.) Every piece in Absolution is a work of art, and MUSE is a refreshing kiss in the dull altern.pop-rock stage. Submitted by p_riddle_9 (Theesaloniki, GREECE) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
WoW!!!
Disregard the other guy from Toronto.
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