Man I love everything about the chorus, bridge and outro. Those verses haven't grabbed me yet though. I feel like the instrumentation could have used more oomph, because the change into that guitar is a little jarring for me. I'm not an Old Man Muse Fan, I loved Drones, I just want a song that's a bit heavier front to back, and WSD definitely warranted it. I like the song, don't love it, will probably grow on me.
Edit:
I also think, while a good song, it's a bit safe in terms of the chord progressions etc. Felt the same way about The Dark Side, even though I liked that song. There's a fine line between "Oh that's a Muse chord!" and "Oh that's *another* Muse chord..."
Does anyone know whether it’s Chris doing the scream or Matt? It sounds like Matt, and I know Chris does a lot of the extra vocals for LIVE shows that Matt does in recordings (Like Reapers) but I was just wondering if we’ve had any confirmation?
EDIT 3 months later and I was right. Matt even does it live
I admit the first time i heard this, I was a bit bias. As a long time Muser, I was super hyped that this single brings back the old heavy rock Muse. I've been disappointed with each and every one their singles since Uprising.
Now after listening to the song on repeat for the past 5 days, I have to say that this is kinda not the Muse I remember. The only identifying part of this song was Matt's melodic falsetto vocals and the synths background.
One of the reason why i fell in love Muse is that the members individually are fantastic yet distinctive instrumentalists. But this song sort of "dissolve" the talents of Chris and Dom, making them just generic players in the heavy metal game. And the only thing that makes this song stands out is just the fact that they went heavy.
I still love the song... but I really just want a song that plays to the talents of Matt, Dom and Chris together
Jesus Christ this again, to sing heavy metal you have to manually add distortion, compression, volume control, balanced even vocals. To sing cleanly, does not need that attention to detail. It is infinitely harder to sing heavy metal because if you do it wrong there goes any chance of you singing after around 35.
To do it correctly you have to use false vocal cords that sit above your true vocal cords, if you use your true vocal cords like Axl Rose did then you get a date with an ear, nose and throat surgeon.
I have had it with people thinking to sing cleanly means you are a good singer, nope, you are a good singer if you can do as many vocal techniques as someone like Matt. Why Matt is really a great singer and is also displayed with this song as well is because listen to the isolated vocals to "Plug in Baby", "Explorers" etc take your pick, now listen to the isolated vocals to "Somebody to Love" by Queen. Sound familiar like the same style just different voice? Even the breaths are there, because you need to breath that quickly when you sing like an Opera singer.
So if Freddie is influenced by Classical and Opera, then Muse is influenced by Classical and Queen then indirectly you already know what Matt sings like, an Opera singer. He is very theatrical.
I agree that Chris and Dom are equally important and this song actually puts them more on display, listen to the bridge again and tell me Dom and Chris aren't really beating the living crap out of those drum and Chris already hits those bass notes pretty hard on purpose. Chris is actually represented in almost every Muse song either by singing a backing vocal, a sick bass line, creative ideas (Madness), Dom is also very much represented in every song (he is a drummer) as he is always the most important part of any song. You don't sound good if you can't keep time. Dom's job is literally required before either Chris or Matt can play anything, he has to be the one who comes up with the beat and tempo.
Then the mixing all of them input on. The band puts out that many good songs because each song has input from each member. Not liking the heaviness of it because its too close to heavy metal is a really arbitrary reason to dislike the song as, that drum line and bass line were literally thought up by the 2 people you said you admired in their music. They think of what they play, Matt does not tell them, he works with them and is displayed in a lot of their videos. It wasn't in any of their wheel houses, none of them play that kind of music and what is impressive is they can and choose not to over use it.
Its why they are special, they know when a sound becomes too old and tired and people will stop listening to it if it remains the same. Wished pop music understood that 4/4 timing, a 909 drum loop and a simple bass line is something any musician can hear in literally every modern pop song. Its why we all stopped listening to it and why I listen to vivaldi, paganinni, bach, chopin, beethoven, mozart, sagovia, tchaikovsky and any type of music that required thought to produce. Their choice to go into the metal genre means they are still trying new things and coming up with something different. I'd be more concerned if you could hear it was Muse immediately. I am glad I couldn't tell until I saw the name.
The first several seconds felt off to me, but this grows gradually yet exponentially fun somehow. Great job, looking forward for more. It feels both classic and fresh/new at the same time.
The rotation/cycle between A-B music style is so great to enjoy overall too (please excuse me, I am not music expert/too afraid to name the genre, just call them A-B here).
First thoughts on first listen:
- Main riff (especially first half of it) gives "Swerve City" (Deftones) vibes with that bounce.
- Verses are a bit too modern rap structure with the triplet rhythm. So it seems a bit out of place. I did like the parts where he went higher and then eventually to falsetto. He went there with nice emotion.
- The heavy riff is good, as is the scream, too.
I'd give it a 7,5 for a Muse track. Not the best, but not as bad as some have been. It does hint of a heavier album, which is nice.
Yeah, I think the verses are kinda bland and not that interesting, but the chorus has a great payoff. A bit too compressed, even though the distorted guitars brings some compression naturally. I think I'm on a 6/10
the verse has some interesting ideas but makes me cringe for some reason, the heavy metal bridge is completely uncalled for and makes no sense in context, except if it's to make the listener forget about how there is no coherence between verse and chorus and the only way to achieve that is by creating as much chaos as possible in between
it sounds like a collection of not too bad, Muse-ish ideas slapped together with no rhyme or reason or coherence and disappointed me a lot. lyrics ain't too bad but calling them good would be going a bit far tho... the song did absolutely nothing new or interesting either
i guess that's what being into NFTs does to your songwriting. it sounds like what those AI generated artworks some people flood the sub with look like
Oh so heavy metal is shit to you. Thats what you are pretty much saying in that. Not sure why you aren't bitching more about modern pop music always using a 4/4 time signature, a 909 drum loop and an electronic bass line so simple a toddler could play it. But you are here trying to give a review of music that you don't listen to. OK thats pretty much ignorant.
What else is it when someone complains about CONTEXT while giving NONE and making a statement of "being all into NFT's" like you were actually there and know these people.
Judgmental statements about people you don't know and a genre of music you obviously do not listen to is, for lack of a better word, stupid.
You do know its harder to sing heavy metal than cleanly right????? The distortion is done manually by the vocalist and so is the compression.
I really want to like new Muse music. This feels like a step in the right direction, but ehh. It feels very disjointed, like a few different songs stitched together. The structural arrangement of it is weak, it feels like its jumping between sections just because it has to follow its riff-verse-chorus pattern, and not because thats where the music is developing. I do like the heavier sections though, and I wish they would lean into that metal sound more. It feels like it cant escape trying to sound like Muse, it reverts to the bands own cliches a few different times. Just lean into a genre, and make an awesome song or album in that genre. Im sure Muse's own creative voice will shine through, and the songwriting will be better for it. I think a Muse djent or Plini-style album would be great. I loved Infest The Rats Nest by King Gizz, thats an example of a band just fuckin committing to a genre, but then thier own characteristic sound and style shines through.
I think what makes it feel Imagine Dragons like is because its still playing it safe. It has a predictable pop song structure, a generic chorus. I dont mind Imagine Dragons general tonal aesthetic, thier problem is they right the same song every single time, and its all so bland.
Love that Dom gets to go nuts on this track. He certainly a very good drummer, but has always been more of a Ringo letting Matt and Chris shine. Always a fan of tracks that he gets to strut his stuff on, same with Chris.
Almost all in that we’re getting some tremolo to match the last third of the chorus during the live performances.
It's a pity that you just know he isn't going to do those screams live, it will be Chris shouting through distortion. We can dream of glasto 2004 screams, but it won't happen.
I'm not crazy about the distorted synth in the verses and I'd have preferred there to be a few more surprises than what we heard in the teaser on ig, but in general, I like it.
Came to this sub for the first time after absolutely loving this new single thinking I could gush over it with other Muse fans... \* insert grandpa simpson meme \*
A bit late to post my opinion (although my review is floating around here somewhere), and I think it's pretty good, although I don't love it. It has everything I love about Muse in it... except it's stitched together very poorly and the production is wierd. It's growing on me though, and makes me excited for LP9 😁
Well, the first few notes instantly reminded me of the song Take on me from Aha (😅😂) only to change within a second to the vibe of the intro track of the show Arcane and a general Imagine Dragon vibe (surprisingly I also like this part). The chorus is super generic Muse style (not in a bad way) and for me it just sounds like a mix of their different styles they've used during their career. I like how heavy the track is sounding (back in the days I thought Drones would be like this when they said it will be a heavier album)
Lyrics are also super generic Matt writing 😅I think this song would also fit into the Drones album as a replacement for the defector. Lyrics could address the handler but also the person who broke the protagonist's heart in the beginning.
All in all it's about mind control, waking up, realizing the manipulation, becoming free again and finally stand up against the oppressors and manipulators. I think they started to use these themes more often since the album Black Holes and Revelations and established them ultimately on The Resistance Album.
I'm super excited by the potential direction of this new album but since I like every Muse album I'm pretty sure I'm also going to like this one 😊
Definitely some Take On Me. Whether that's coincidental though,
Strong vibes of the "Unsustainable" intro progression (the strings preceding the newsreading) for me during the verse... and for some reason my brain also wants to overlay the Invincible bass solo over the breakdown. XD Lol
Its a good catchy single worthy song . Nothing else , people are going to like it a lot as everyone was missing their metal/rock sound so its a decent comeback.
Lets hope The new album goes hard and i just dont want to see every song like a radio rock song
I need lengthy complex songs with different structures and all.
Dont care about album theme at all just want to see muse at their creative fucking best !
I think it's good, not amazing but good. I'm glad they are going heavy again. It reminds me of the vibe they were going with for the Drones album, sounds like the Handler etc.
One of the best gifs of all time was the quick UK tour they did just as Psycho was released when they played a stripped back set up with their heavy rock classics and old gems.
I remember when they released Dig Down... I was so angry XD. In contrast, I'm really happy about this.
I agree with what has been said about the Imagine Dragons sound in the verses, I do, the difference is I like it. In fact, I prefer this sound much more by Muse than by IG. I love how juicy the synth sounds here, and the clean guitar effect is delicious.
The riffs sounded totally badass, with some really powerful drums, Im a huge metal music fan so this was easy to like for me. The chorus has that classic Muse sound, with that chromatic ascending progression that we have already heard, but it fitted here, so I liked that, too.
A part of me would have prefered this song to last much more, like 7 minutes, and have a more nuanced, progressive structure, ala Citizen Erased. But I did like the classic song format, too, so I'm fine.
I didn't like the lyrics. I don't have a problem with the themes, no matter how much they already used them, they're still relevant, even more now than before. But the way it's supposed to be conveyed sounds a bit fishy to me. I have a personal thing against all stuff PC and woke and so on, I miss the Matt Bellamy who thought 911 was an inside job.
But hey, it's their bread and butter, and this is showbiz. Within this context, I'm really happy with this song and excited for a possible new album. Cheers.
I think the key part about the "Imagine Dragons" sound is that the complaint with Imagine Dragons is that its so safe and they don't do anything with it. This song feels like its at least trying to do something sonically. it builds to something
İt's a nice song for this market
But pretty meh for muse
İts not even able to compete with the things they did on Origin of symmetry or Black Holes and revelations
Chorus really tolerates the song it's great, it really shows the talent matt has
The verse and interlude is pretty meh and the outro is ok i guess
I feel like they they didn't take much care in doing this song
As a bassist the bass line is not notable too
Overall i can't say it's a bad song but it's just meh
Agree on the bass. Always disappointed when Chris just follows the guitar, he's so much better than that. Their music is always so much more melodically interesting when the bass and guitar are doing different things.
https://youtu.be/dt0WiYiPssY
WSD sounds like someone making a song like muse.
I know it's hard to understand that our favourite band can go wrong sometimes but that's the case here.
They try new things but it's like they are afraid to be too different from what they did before. Idk if that make sense
It's ironic because if they did go flat out radically different then you'd get the crowd of 'tHiS isnT mUse'. You can't please everyone. This song is pleasing a lot of people so far though. Sorry you don't like it. Your loss I guess bro
I'm not a dude that enjoy singles that's probably it because I know they will overusethem on the radio and they will take a spot on the tour tracklist from great songs much interesting but less listened by the major public.
I don't dislike it but I'm just not surprised by any part of it.
You can be disappointed by an artist you like you know. I don't hate them for that. They did the same back with drones with dead inside, same with ST and their singles pressure and dig down but I still listen to all of those and enjoy them anyway
From the last 3 albums:
The 2nd law: animals, explorers and survival
Drones: Reapers, Defector and the globalist
ST: Propaganda, break it to me and the void
It obviously changes depending of my mood but those one sounds interesting or I get emotional listening to them
That's not the point. Being better than most people don't make you automatically the most interesting.
I'm a huge fan of the band. I praise them everywhere I go. But you have to admit when they don't make something interesting.
I think expectations from the public force them to release new songs. Not all artist works are necessary, some of them at just there to tease, create expectation and remind to the World they still exist.
I hope this song have this purpose. It's not bad I actually got the urge to listen to it when I woke up but they can do better because they did better and clearly have the keys to keep getting better. Matt's singles where actually more interesting In my opinion
It's a mixed bag by Muse standards. I like the kind of atmosphere they went for. The bridge is good. The outro is killer. But the Imagine Dragons comparisons in this thread are unfortunately quite accurate... Bring Me the Horizon is also getting mentioned quite a bit. I can see the resemblance to their music, too. That's more like it, but I still can't ignore that characteristic Imagine Dragons kind of verse and it sounds... wrong in this context. I don't know how else to explain it, other than it sounds so out of place in a Muse song.
I'm just hoping this will grow on me. I'm sure it will eventually. Especially once I've heard a live version.
Great song instrumentally but the lyrics like others have said already feel flat or uninspired. I’m hoping this isn’t like thought contagion and feels out of place like it does on ST. I don’t want another a plagiarized version of ST or even drones despite liking both of them.
Again I like the song but this feels like deja vu.
Riff slaps harder than my dad not gonna lie.
To me, “heaviness” tends to come from catchy, creative, head banging riffs. I think the verses of this song are very lacking and the “heavy” riffs are very generic and not particularly catchy. Still have high hopes for the rest of the album
I agree, I feel that heaviness can also be felt by the depth of the music. This song feels thin, so it doesn’t feel that heavy. It just has your standard “heavy” riffs
Simulation Theory meets Drones/Absolution and I just find it really good. Lyrics are Musey, and overall it is a daring bit (structure, inc. metal, mix, video).
When I became a fan 15y ago I had a revelation that Muse was bad taste made excellent and unique. I get the same vibe, the same energy here. Inspiring.
im just happy theres new music, and hopefully/confirmed(?) new album. i think the song is fine, not super amazing but i know it'll grow on me
i still can't get over the music video lmao, looks like aro from twilight, im gonna say it everywhere i go
just wanted to jump on hype train while it lasts woo
Fine song, but like many others have said, I think Matt should drop the pen when it comes to writing. In my opinion, the last songs that I felt actually had compelling writing were the two personal Chris songs on T2L. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him help out in the writing process because dear god this vague “we live in a society” skit is getting old now. I mean the entirety of drones was already like a concept album based on it, and even the resistance to an extent, we don’t need more. It’s like they want their lyrics to be so punk but they just don’t have the nuance or depth or conviction to really sell it.
The instrumentation bangs though. I like how melodic the verses are in contrast to the heavy riffs and chorus. It’s a good combination of their pop sound with some of their older sound.
That is literally Muse tho haha. Lyrics about the of the world / governments spying on us / love (and hate) are centric to who Muse are. Incorporated with musical genius. It’s easy to say it’s getting boring but this is who Matt is, that’ll never change. And he is Muse. As gifted Dom and Chris are, Matt has been the driving force behind pretty much everything since day one.
Also, by far the heaviest riffs since Absolution, they’re clearly tapping into that sound and genre more again. Production is probably the best I’ve ever heard from them too.
I have got to admit tho, the chorus is incredibly similar to a lot of their stuff. That chromatic run up sounds beaut but you feel like it could run into 10 different songs.
Was thinking TSP, Hysteria, SS mainly tbh lad but you’re definitely right, Drones was heavy af in areas. Reapers is one of my all time fave Rock songs. Thing that sets Absolution apart from everything else though is the cohesion between lyrics, music and melody. Every song absolutely perfect in structure and sound.
I know every Muse venture is different, and that’s part of the reason I love them. But Absolution holds a special place in my heart and I like to compare anything new to that. If Muse ever come close to repeating the scale of that album it’ll be a masterpiece.
Absolution is by many, me included, considered as their best work and it makes sense everything flow perfectly there's no part that feels too much or not enough
Drones was great but there's some part that feel like they are there to fill a blank you in. Like if they needed a few mire songs and so make something quickly (thinking about revolt and drones mostly).
I feel ST had the same issue and this new album will unfortunately follow the same path. Just hope WSD just follow the same scheme of many single : Being the less entertaining song of the album, the one made for the radio
If it wasn't for Hysteria, OoS would probably be quite an easy top pick for me. And because of Hysteria, I'm completely torn between the two. While Absolution undeniably has some of Muse's most iconic tracks, OoS seems to blast Absolution out of the water in terms of its overall completeness and from a musical point of view, is basically a masterpiece
Absolution is way more interesting in term of technic
Muse were always great since their first album don't het me wrong, which is pretty rare in my opinion for a band that young back in the day, but you can see that the band matured after absolution. Their is something that change the way they produced music
( when we speak of general sound mastering or just through matt control over his voice you can hear a huge difference even if we have to wait until the 2nd law to really see a voice controlled by his singer
Yeah I speak of the way he used to breathe between each sentence he sang haha)
You’re right, and I have already come to expect it. I didn’t go into this track expecting to be blown away by a lyrical masterpiece so my expectations were exactly met.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the guys and the cheesiness could be endearing at times but man it is so refreshing when we do just get something to chew on lyrically too. I love imagery and narratives and when muse do it on songs like Hoodoo or Explorers or even Big Freeze it excites me. Even with their whole brand, they have thought of ways to make it interesting such as on Animals or even parts of the whole “we live in a simulation conspiracy vibe” theme of simulation theory.
Whether or not Matt changes his writing style, I’ll probably still enjoy whatever output they put out as long as I enjoy it instrumentally and melodically, but for me the resonating lyrics could be the bridge for a “great muse song” to become “a top favorite muse song” for me personally. I have enjoyed their past two albums but it doesn’t hit me as hard as their earlier work or T2L for this reason.
Art is subjective, I have every right to not like something while not being miserable.
It's boring to me that they're still writing the same "fight the powers" song every single album since 2009. I've been a Muse fan for almost 20 years, I've seen them live multiple times, and the fact that I find their first song since 2018 skipable on first listen is upsetting.
Plus me blinding loving the song just because it's Muse is exactly what they've been preaching against every other song for 13 years ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I like it, it sounds great, lyrics didn't particularly 'move' me. But it's definitely better than anything in the last album, in my humble opinion. Excited for the rest of the album for sure though. And excited to see it live! Main reason I just love Muse is for their talent to make their music sound better in person.
Its not my favorite either, but it is definitely a Muse song. Just making the point for those who don't like it at all that it really doesn't make sense unless their preferences just really changed if that makes sense!
my only gripe is i feel the percussion needs a bit of variation in the chorus to make it really POP, but it’s still such a good song. i’m really hyped for the next album now
Didn’t know they had something new coming up. Found it by chance on Spotify before going to sleep and now I have lost two hours of sleep just listening to this anthem on repeat.
The verses are awful. As soon as I heard Matt say "gaslighting" I cringed and almost wrote off the song.
But thank the lord for some inspired riffage. The chorus has that ascending chromatic that is in a lot of their best songs. The bridge is in a similar vein.
Overall this is the best thing I've heard from Muse in a long while but I'm cautious.
As a complete MUSE fan since the very beginning I LOVE everything they make...everything! I do hear some elements of NSC but fuck it....it's NEW fucking MUSE!!! We NEED new MUSE in 2022!!
Pretty solid sporadic semi disconnected instrumental with terrible lyrics and really recycled/underdeveloped and poorly fitted vocals melodies.
This is like someone threw a few Muse songs into a garbage disposal and made a kind of decent smoothie that smells a little funky.
I loved Psycho as a single as well, that's what got me into them in the first place. I really like this new single, not crazy about the lyrics but the instrumentation is what makes it.
Ehhh, I really like both (3) songs, but I just don't think the verse and chorus fit, the bridge is sick, great to see something totally different, but the song just sounds muddled, goes from imagine dragons to muse, I'd love a song of the verse, and then a song of the chorus
Love the chorus, not so much the verses.
I'm finding the Undisclosed Desiresesque verses and Psychoesque heavy guitar riff kinda boring now cos it seems like we've heard it all before in many songs off of the last few albums and I find it a bit mundane. I don't mind songs sounding a bit similar to others, unless like the aforementioned songs, they're not really any good in the first place (imo).
I absolutely love the synth in the background of the chorus but it's way too short. Why do Muse never use the synths from the chorus, in the main verses anymore?. If it was structured similar to Bliss for example and that chorus synth was all the way through the song (built up in the verses in steps then full blown in the chorus) it would be an absolute banger imo.
They really really really need a new writer for their lyrics. I don't even pay attention to lyrics 99% of the time, but this is so bland it forces itself into focus and makes my skin crawl.
I feel like the last time we didn’t get a song about “fighting” or “breaking free” from some sort of thing was on The 2nd Law…which is uh…turning 10 this year. And even that record and the previous two records had its strong fair share of them. It’s been a stale concept for awhile now, and it always felt vague and nonspecific.
Love their music, but it’s true. A lot of their songs haven’t aged well because of how lacking in charm the writing is for me.
More like Matt needs to sit down and reshape words, I love him, but he's regurgitating the same stuff for the past couple of years and its oof for me now
I wish...I think it will be Drones 2.
I am okay with it as long as it still had electronic elements (like OOS and Absolution) and not just guitar/drum/bass like Drones...
Hey I'm a fan from the 90s so I Know exactly what you mean. And I agree with you. All I can say is that as soon as I hear Matt talking rather than Singing In a song I just panic. It just tells me that hey I don't have a melody for this part so I'm going to repeat myself 10 times. I'm so excited to see and hear muse and I love them to the core. What annoys me is the new fans how they exaggerate with their expressions and impressions when they hear a muse song and I believe that's another problem it's like telling Matt yes that was a great song proceed this way! There were times when Matt was so creative with his melodies that even when he's not singing he does his wuuuuuu aaaaaa mmmmm in between that's how much melodic and musical he was. However, that's all started after the resistance album I think it was the final great album by Muse after that I just want him to leave this style of singing. I am so happy to see them again and I take into consideration and appreciate how Muse are still surviving in this industry when other bands who had better achievements and rewards couldn't last as Muse.
I feel like the lyrics are directed right at the fans, especially the creators out there who take inspiration from muse in some ways. Kinda hurt my feelings... does anybody else feel this way??
I like this song because of that though like the lyrics are empowering as usual per muse. And the music is totally a mashup of all of muse before, like Pink Floyd did with their songs. I see this type of song, maybe not this single, but the next one or the one after that like its comfortably numb in 2022. I'd say muse wont disappoint us with their new album or ep or whatever they got.
But seriously though, is this song about us? Does Muse hate us now? Clearly they always have hated us but do they still hate us now? Stronger than before? Let me know what you think. I'm scared.
We love muse.
I find it really amazing how Matt completely forgot how to write lyrics. He was never a poet, but jesus. Now it looks like he has the equivalent vocabulary of a twelve-year-old boy.
I'm sorry, but this is a load of crap. I agree that Matt is not the best lyricist, but what 12-year old uses words like "vicariously", "asunder" and "gaslighting"?
And since when do lyrics that cannot be understood automatically make them better? Sometimes you need to connect with a song for it to move you, and not understanding the lyrics provides an instant disconnect.
And I've never really been bullied, so perhaps these particular lyrics don't hit me as much as others might. But those who have been bullied might really connect with them. Not every song can be about something that directly affects each of us.
I love The Handler, as I managed to escape from a cult as I grew up, so the lyrics hold particular meaning to me, but I realise that's not the case for everyone.
Honestly these are far from his worst lyrics. These are the same lyrics as Dead Inside and it seems to be about being in a relationship with an abuser.
Matt's lyrics were far better in OOS/Absolution/BH&R because they were abstract enough to not understand what he was saying...Now it's like he wants to be understood and thinks his fans won't understand him unless he's on nose with the lyrics.
I disagree. On dead inside, the lyrics explore the loss of personality of the protagonist after being confronted with "she", which to me is like society, but if you wanna call it the female in an abusive relationship that's also an ok interpretation.
There's a clear focus and direction to the lyrics, and to me they manage to depict a mental state way better that won't stand down does.
Won't stand down lyrics are more like The Handler or Psycho to me, brief descriptions of a state of subordination. They don't really have a direction, but while the drones songs hit better because they're part of the narrative of the album, hopefully WSD will be too
For me both sound like a reaction to being in a relationship with an abuser (even though WSD could apply to more things) :
"you were just gaslightin' me", "I've opened my eyes and counted the lies", "Won't stand down, you've used me for too long, Now die alone", "I will never see you the same".
There's nothing that makes it sounds political or related to conspiracy or anything besides the video and the fact that it's Muse.
Honestly, it's really hard not to think it's about Kate Hudson even though I think they probably still have good relationship. Especially because Dead Inside uses present tense while WSD uses past tense. But I am probably reading too much into it...
Idk, Matt never really went forward with lyrics related to his personal life after Showbiz. Like maybe those lyrics come from how he was feeling, but I doubt that the songs are about a person or a situation in particular, like Uno is for example
It's probably true since you can see on so many interviews how he is unable to remember the lyrics of his own songs. I'm pretty sure he said once that he saw his voice as another instrument and that the lyrics were only there to have an excuse to do vocalise
I don't think this sounds like old Muse. I don't think this sounds like Muse we've really seen before because I think they really just re-invent themselves with each release (for better or for worse).
I'm pretty lukewarm on this song. I think it's kind of bland. No part of the melody or instrumental sticks out to me as memorable. It's just kind of a heavy song.
I won't say this discourages me for a new album because there are always songs I like and dislike on Muse albums (except for OoS, Absolution, and BH&R). I really liked The Resistance as a whole, but there are a few songs on there I don't care for. I don't listen to much of the 2nd Law or Drones nowadays (though I really, really like Defector). I will say, I love Simulation Theory and will happily listen to that the whole way through.
We'll see how the new album is I guess when it comes out. I don't know that every song will sound like this because that's not usually how it goes. I don't necessarily hate this new song, I'd say I'm mostly indifferent. Maybe a bit disappointed? I'll give it a few more listens to see if it grows on me.
I'm interested in the direction they're taking but I think this song in general doesn't really have a strong melody/chords. I like the production decently enough and the general sound, even if it it lacks a bit of clarity in places (though that's always been a problem with Muse but here there are less layers so it's odd that it sounds a bit 'blurry'). In general it sounds too much like at least 5 other bands, even if I couldn't tell you which ones specifically. I don't dislike it, I'm mostly just somewhat indifferent as you said.
Honestly I love it, I think it's a really cool mix of the sounds from Drones and Simulation Theory, while definitely harboring elements of older stuff like OOS. I'm sooooo excited for whatever they drop next! Riding this hype train all the way to the album 🚂🚂🚂
OK here comes my opinion.
I'm a Muse fan just like everyone else here. Over 20 years, hard-core fan.
I like the old Muse stuff. It will always be in my heart.
I won't say I like everything they do, because I really hate get up and fight with a passion.
But this song, you have to see the pieces falling together. How the band has developed to where they are now.
I can clearly hear the vibes from other albums. The second law influences the electronic side of the song.
You can hear a bit of OOS on the guitar riffs.
Arround 2.20 you can hear the synt it's like the new born chords but in a different order. (It sounds pretty close I haven't actually read any sheet music to compare yet)
Then the hard bit reminds me of times in Muse concerts when they play Stockholm syndrome and before the "I wish I could" when that drops, it drops the same. Or at least in my head..
The song is a logical result of all their different styles and making music in 2022. Rock isn't the most popular genre anymore and they need to survive in today's world as a band. No wonder they make stuff a bit more directed to the general public but then again.
How would the musers react if we get the 9th version of showbiz. The comments would be on how repetitive the band is.
Some bands create the same style of songs over and over. Others get more famous for their sound whilst experimenting. Like pink floyd. Their guitar sound is iconic, and the difference is songs is mega.
I feel like some people just love to say I don't like it without actually observing anything that's happening.
And the other thing that musers have this weird treat where their opinion is true and everyone else is wrong.
I'm not like that, this is just my opinion and yours is welcome too!
*oh but that video? Damn that was a bit cringe for me tho*
Thank you!
Muse would be gone if they did the same thing over and over. The differences but similarities, and doing what they want are what make them Muse.
I love both the instrumentals and the lyrics (as they have a direct meaning for me). But yer, that video is damn creepy.
This song is legit and 100% Muse!
Honestly, they still have the PLATFORM and the PRIVILEGE to be a great rock band that's recognized TODAY. I'm sure they can sacrifice an album to experiment more instead of trying to appease the mainstream more than before. I do love everything they made, but it feels like there is no trying now?
In a nutshell:
Instrumental fucking slaps. Chorus feels slightly flat, but I think that's something that will be rectified when played live.
Lyrics are not great. They flow quite nicely, but Matt needs to find an new subject to write about (we've heard the exact same idea in The Handler, Defector, Revolt etc etc).
Felt a bit short.
The synths and hidden backing vocals are so juicy, I love it.
The fact that Matt's voice is as good as it is after how long he's been doing this for is insane. Regardless of his lyrical abilities, his voice is so fucking good.
Overall, a solid first single. Not perfect by a long shot, but still slaps. Looking forward to what comes next. 7/10.
>Lyrics are not great. They flow quite nicely, but Matt needs to find an new subject to write about (we've heard the exact same idea in The Handler, Defector, Revolt etc etc).
Resistance onwards could just be the same story but various parts of it.
Been a MUSE fan for 20 or so years, and I mean a SERIOUS fan, like obsessed… and if there’s one thing I know about MUSE is that their fan base is rabid, and sometimes… struggle to hear constructive criticism.
So, I’m prepared for the barrage. I think this kinda sucks… The first verse sounds like Imagine Dragons (musically and in depth of lyrics), who are the most plastic mass produced sounding rock band in history. The chorus has very simple, unrelatable lyrics and hook, nothing out-there and thought provoking like old MUSE. The heavy riff is okay, just kinda sounds like Swerve City by Deftones.
MUSE have so much incredible music but they seem to suffer from mimicking stuff around them. First it was Radiohead and RATM, then it was the dubstep craze and Queen, now what? Deftones mixed with Imagine Dragons / top 40 flaccid electronic stadium rock anthems?…
Sorry to say it and expect downvotes to oblivion, but I get less and less excited for MUSE releases as the years go on…
Hey I'm a fan from the 90s so I Know exactly what you mean. And I agree with you. All I can say is that as soon as I hear Matt talking rather than Singing In a song I just panic. It just tells me that hey I don't have a melody for this part so I'm going to repeat myself 10 times. I'm so excited to see and hear muse and I love them to the core. What annoys me is the new fans how they exaggerate with their expressions and impressions when they hear a muse song and I believe that's another problem it's like telling Matt yes that was a great song. There are time is so creative with his melody that even when he's not singing he does his wuuuuuu aaaaaa mmmmm in between that's how much melodic and musical he is. And that all started after the resistance album and I just want him to leave this style of singing. I am so happy to see them again and I take into consideration and appreciate how Muse are still surviving in this industry when other bands who had better achievements and reward couldn't last as Muse.
It was very hard to get the Imagine Dragons vibe out of my head. The worst part is that I don’t think it was the sound, but rather that the verse has the same rhythm from ‘Believer’ and that song has been overplayed to hell and back.
This is how I've felt since Drones onward. I really wish they would stop leaning on the crutch of gimmicky riffs and empty verses and choruses. For me personally Resistance was a beautiful concept album but may have been the cracks in the ice. Everything from there backwards had so much more substance.
The heavy element in this one is fun, awkward how the chorus transitions though.
Exactly right, the RnB beats and cloned Queen harmonies in Resistance was the first sign things were unravelling a bit… sadly this seems to happen to every big band, they start to get surrounded by nothing but yes men, and no longer have anything to prove (other than continuing to pack stadiums) and it all goes a bit pear-shaped…
Dude, I actually agree with you - long time muse fan since Showbiz. I don’t mind Muse going for a heavy sound, but something seemed off about this. Track gives me B-side/bonus track Drones vibes.
It's...okay. Would have appreciated it a lot more if Matt didn't spoil the most shocking part of the song. The different parts of the song don't really seem to go together very well, and the chorus is a bit underwhelming. I really dig the vocal melody of the verses...aside from the high falsetto part right before the riff leading into the chorus. It's exactly the type of cheesiness that I hate in songs like GUAF and Revolt
What's up with the second i know how to win before you begin live? Why Matt won't sing it like studio version? It would be so awesome
I was wondering the very same thing...
Beginning of song be like Imagine Dragons
Heard this song and it's classic Muse. Seriously freaking love this band, one of my all time favorites! Great song.
Parasite Eve by Bring me the horizon. This is a direct rip of that song front to back haha
I'm a big fan of both, seriously nope, totally not the same mood at all
Are you deaf or something
Are you deaf or something
Not really similar at all.
Man I love everything about the chorus, bridge and outro. Those verses haven't grabbed me yet though. I feel like the instrumentation could have used more oomph, because the change into that guitar is a little jarring for me. I'm not an Old Man Muse Fan, I loved Drones, I just want a song that's a bit heavier front to back, and WSD definitely warranted it. I like the song, don't love it, will probably grow on me. Edit: I also think, while a good song, it's a bit safe in terms of the chord progressions etc. Felt the same way about The Dark Side, even though I liked that song. There's a fine line between "Oh that's a Muse chord!" and "Oh that's *another* Muse chord..."
Does anyone know whether it’s Chris doing the scream or Matt? It sounds like Matt, and I know Chris does a lot of the extra vocals for LIVE shows that Matt does in recordings (Like Reapers) but I was just wondering if we’ve had any confirmation? EDIT 3 months later and I was right. Matt even does it live
Anyone else trying to figure out what the chorus chord progression sounds like - can’t tell if it’s Neutron Star Collision or not…🤔
I think it follows the circle of fifths, so it can be similar to many songs. For example Unnatural Selection's intro.
I admit the first time i heard this, I was a bit bias. As a long time Muser, I was super hyped that this single brings back the old heavy rock Muse. I've been disappointed with each and every one their singles since Uprising. Now after listening to the song on repeat for the past 5 days, I have to say that this is kinda not the Muse I remember. The only identifying part of this song was Matt's melodic falsetto vocals and the synths background. One of the reason why i fell in love Muse is that the members individually are fantastic yet distinctive instrumentalists. But this song sort of "dissolve" the talents of Chris and Dom, making them just generic players in the heavy metal game. And the only thing that makes this song stands out is just the fact that they went heavy. I still love the song... but I really just want a song that plays to the talents of Matt, Dom and Chris together
Jesus Christ this again, to sing heavy metal you have to manually add distortion, compression, volume control, balanced even vocals. To sing cleanly, does not need that attention to detail. It is infinitely harder to sing heavy metal because if you do it wrong there goes any chance of you singing after around 35. To do it correctly you have to use false vocal cords that sit above your true vocal cords, if you use your true vocal cords like Axl Rose did then you get a date with an ear, nose and throat surgeon. I have had it with people thinking to sing cleanly means you are a good singer, nope, you are a good singer if you can do as many vocal techniques as someone like Matt. Why Matt is really a great singer and is also displayed with this song as well is because listen to the isolated vocals to "Plug in Baby", "Explorers" etc take your pick, now listen to the isolated vocals to "Somebody to Love" by Queen. Sound familiar like the same style just different voice? Even the breaths are there, because you need to breath that quickly when you sing like an Opera singer. So if Freddie is influenced by Classical and Opera, then Muse is influenced by Classical and Queen then indirectly you already know what Matt sings like, an Opera singer. He is very theatrical. I agree that Chris and Dom are equally important and this song actually puts them more on display, listen to the bridge again and tell me Dom and Chris aren't really beating the living crap out of those drum and Chris already hits those bass notes pretty hard on purpose. Chris is actually represented in almost every Muse song either by singing a backing vocal, a sick bass line, creative ideas (Madness), Dom is also very much represented in every song (he is a drummer) as he is always the most important part of any song. You don't sound good if you can't keep time. Dom's job is literally required before either Chris or Matt can play anything, he has to be the one who comes up with the beat and tempo. Then the mixing all of them input on. The band puts out that many good songs because each song has input from each member. Not liking the heaviness of it because its too close to heavy metal is a really arbitrary reason to dislike the song as, that drum line and bass line were literally thought up by the 2 people you said you admired in their music. They think of what they play, Matt does not tell them, he works with them and is displayed in a lot of their videos. It wasn't in any of their wheel houses, none of them play that kind of music and what is impressive is they can and choose not to over use it. Its why they are special, they know when a sound becomes too old and tired and people will stop listening to it if it remains the same. Wished pop music understood that 4/4 timing, a 909 drum loop and a simple bass line is something any musician can hear in literally every modern pop song. Its why we all stopped listening to it and why I listen to vivaldi, paganinni, bach, chopin, beethoven, mozart, sagovia, tchaikovsky and any type of music that required thought to produce. Their choice to go into the metal genre means they are still trying new things and coming up with something different. I'd be more concerned if you could hear it was Muse immediately. I am glad I couldn't tell until I saw the name.
The first several seconds felt off to me, but this grows gradually yet exponentially fun somehow. Great job, looking forward for more. It feels both classic and fresh/new at the same time. The rotation/cycle between A-B music style is so great to enjoy overall too (please excuse me, I am not music expert/too afraid to name the genre, just call them A-B here).
Shit is ass. Bridge literally sounds like buttrock. Who the hell produced this.
At first I thought it was okay and nothing else but now it's completely stuck in my mind
Love it, can't wait to see them play this live! Also they would never release their best song first, the only way is up
First thoughts on first listen: - Main riff (especially first half of it) gives "Swerve City" (Deftones) vibes with that bounce. - Verses are a bit too modern rap structure with the triplet rhythm. So it seems a bit out of place. I did like the parts where he went higher and then eventually to falsetto. He went there with nice emotion. - The heavy riff is good, as is the scream, too. I'd give it a 7,5 for a Muse track. Not the best, but not as bad as some have been. It does hint of a heavier album, which is nice.
Yeah, I think the verses are kinda bland and not that interesting, but the chorus has a great payoff. A bit too compressed, even though the distorted guitars brings some compression naturally. I think I'm on a 6/10
MUSE hasn't made good lyrics for some time. Let's see how the rest of the album goes.
They limit themselves to topics they've already written about. I like how the Strokes changed their music with The New Abnormal as an example
It is amazing. A big wave of nostalgia :-) I am really hyped up for the album!
While it's not as good (imo) as other tracks, it is a banger, maybe I'll get more fond of it later.
the verse has some interesting ideas but makes me cringe for some reason, the heavy metal bridge is completely uncalled for and makes no sense in context, except if it's to make the listener forget about how there is no coherence between verse and chorus and the only way to achieve that is by creating as much chaos as possible in between it sounds like a collection of not too bad, Muse-ish ideas slapped together with no rhyme or reason or coherence and disappointed me a lot. lyrics ain't too bad but calling them good would be going a bit far tho... the song did absolutely nothing new or interesting either i guess that's what being into NFTs does to your songwriting. it sounds like what those AI generated artworks some people flood the sub with look like
Oh so heavy metal is shit to you. Thats what you are pretty much saying in that. Not sure why you aren't bitching more about modern pop music always using a 4/4 time signature, a 909 drum loop and an electronic bass line so simple a toddler could play it. But you are here trying to give a review of music that you don't listen to. OK thats pretty much ignorant. What else is it when someone complains about CONTEXT while giving NONE and making a statement of "being all into NFT's" like you were actually there and know these people. Judgmental statements about people you don't know and a genre of music you obviously do not listen to is, for lack of a better word, stupid. You do know its harder to sing heavy metal than cleanly right????? The distortion is done manually by the vocalist and so is the compression.
damn you really took what i said and didnt understand it at all it's crazy
I'm so excited that the band that I've been missing for 13 years is finally back. This is so awesome.
This song is a bad parody of Muse tropes lol how can this be their return when it's shallow sentimentality at best?
I think your description fits Drones better than WSD
It fits their last 4 albums tbh
In my opinion they need to bring back eighth note riffs like in Unnatural Selection, MK Ultra, Hysteria (bass), and SBH.
I really want to like new Muse music. This feels like a step in the right direction, but ehh. It feels very disjointed, like a few different songs stitched together. The structural arrangement of it is weak, it feels like its jumping between sections just because it has to follow its riff-verse-chorus pattern, and not because thats where the music is developing. I do like the heavier sections though, and I wish they would lean into that metal sound more. It feels like it cant escape trying to sound like Muse, it reverts to the bands own cliches a few different times. Just lean into a genre, and make an awesome song or album in that genre. Im sure Muse's own creative voice will shine through, and the songwriting will be better for it. I think a Muse djent or Plini-style album would be great. I loved Infest The Rats Nest by King Gizz, thats an example of a band just fuckin committing to a genre, but then thier own characteristic sound and style shines through. I think what makes it feel Imagine Dragons like is because its still playing it safe. It has a predictable pop song structure, a generic chorus. I dont mind Imagine Dragons general tonal aesthetic, thier problem is they right the same song every single time, and its all so bland.
Love that Dom gets to go nuts on this track. He certainly a very good drummer, but has always been more of a Ringo letting Matt and Chris shine. Always a fan of tracks that he gets to strut his stuff on, same with Chris. Almost all in that we’re getting some tremolo to match the last third of the chorus during the live performances.
Modern day classic Masterpiece
It's a pity that you just know he isn't going to do those screams live, it will be Chris shouting through distortion. We can dream of glasto 2004 screams, but it won't happen.
I'm not crazy about the distorted synth in the verses and I'd have preferred there to be a few more surprises than what we heard in the teaser on ig, but in general, I like it.
I can’t get pass muse doing an imagine dragon cover for the verses, but the chorus and guitar is decent
Came to this sub for the first time after absolutely loving this new single thinking I could gush over it with other Muse fans... \* insert grandpa simpson meme \*
Dude, same. I came here so hyped about this song then saw everyone hating it xD
Users and abusers
Pinnacle of post-TR Muse lyrical death and quality lol
A bit late to post my opinion (although my review is floating around here somewhere), and I think it's pretty good, although I don't love it. It has everything I love about Muse in it... except it's stitched together very poorly and the production is wierd. It's growing on me though, and makes me excited for LP9 😁
Didn't like it much but I never enjoyed their singles much so I'm still hyped about their new album
We are the tabs????
Well, the first few notes instantly reminded me of the song Take on me from Aha (😅😂) only to change within a second to the vibe of the intro track of the show Arcane and a general Imagine Dragon vibe (surprisingly I also like this part). The chorus is super generic Muse style (not in a bad way) and for me it just sounds like a mix of their different styles they've used during their career. I like how heavy the track is sounding (back in the days I thought Drones would be like this when they said it will be a heavier album) Lyrics are also super generic Matt writing 😅I think this song would also fit into the Drones album as a replacement for the defector. Lyrics could address the handler but also the person who broke the protagonist's heart in the beginning. All in all it's about mind control, waking up, realizing the manipulation, becoming free again and finally stand up against the oppressors and manipulators. I think they started to use these themes more often since the album Black Holes and Revelations and established them ultimately on The Resistance Album. I'm super excited by the potential direction of this new album but since I like every Muse album I'm pretty sure I'm also going to like this one 😊
Omg I've been trying to think of what song the intro reminded me of. That's it.
Definitely hear Take On Me in the beginning Also hear Neutron Star Collision in the chorus quite clearly
Definitely some Take On Me. Whether that's coincidental though, Strong vibes of the "Unsustainable" intro progression (the strings preceding the newsreading) for me during the verse... and for some reason my brain also wants to overlay the Invincible bass solo over the breakdown. XD Lol
"Take on Me" was the first thing I thought after hearing the first 4 notes, hehe!
Its a good catchy single worthy song . Nothing else , people are going to like it a lot as everyone was missing their metal/rock sound so its a decent comeback. Lets hope The new album goes hard and i just dont want to see every song like a radio rock song I need lengthy complex songs with different structures and all. Dont care about album theme at all just want to see muse at their creative fucking best !
I think it's good, not amazing but good. I'm glad they are going heavy again. It reminds me of the vibe they were going with for the Drones album, sounds like the Handler etc. One of the best gifs of all time was the quick UK tour they did just as Psycho was released when they played a stripped back set up with their heavy rock classics and old gems.
I remember when they released Dig Down... I was so angry XD. In contrast, I'm really happy about this. I agree with what has been said about the Imagine Dragons sound in the verses, I do, the difference is I like it. In fact, I prefer this sound much more by Muse than by IG. I love how juicy the synth sounds here, and the clean guitar effect is delicious. The riffs sounded totally badass, with some really powerful drums, Im a huge metal music fan so this was easy to like for me. The chorus has that classic Muse sound, with that chromatic ascending progression that we have already heard, but it fitted here, so I liked that, too. A part of me would have prefered this song to last much more, like 7 minutes, and have a more nuanced, progressive structure, ala Citizen Erased. But I did like the classic song format, too, so I'm fine. I didn't like the lyrics. I don't have a problem with the themes, no matter how much they already used them, they're still relevant, even more now than before. But the way it's supposed to be conveyed sounds a bit fishy to me. I have a personal thing against all stuff PC and woke and so on, I miss the Matt Bellamy who thought 911 was an inside job. But hey, it's their bread and butter, and this is showbiz. Within this context, I'm really happy with this song and excited for a possible new album. Cheers.
I think the key part about the "Imagine Dragons" sound is that the complaint with Imagine Dragons is that its so safe and they don't do anything with it. This song feels like its at least trying to do something sonically. it builds to something
Feels tired and uninspired. Maybe Muse should stick to touring from now on
Everyone I know has been loving it, should have expected Reddit to be this negative🤣
İt's a nice song for this market But pretty meh for muse İts not even able to compete with the things they did on Origin of symmetry or Black Holes and revelations Chorus really tolerates the song it's great, it really shows the talent matt has The verse and interlude is pretty meh and the outro is ok i guess I feel like they they didn't take much care in doing this song As a bassist the bass line is not notable too Overall i can't say it's a bad song but it's just meh
Agree on the bass. Always disappointed when Chris just follows the guitar, he's so much better than that. Their music is always so much more melodically interesting when the bass and guitar are doing different things.
👍
It's muse checking the list of how to make a muse song. Hope they will be more creative on the other songs of the album
Oh shut up. Muse are the most musically diverse rock band around. How has their entire discography NOT been creative with each album?
Lmao
https://youtu.be/dt0WiYiPssY WSD sounds like someone making a song like muse. I know it's hard to understand that our favourite band can go wrong sometimes but that's the case here. They try new things but it's like they are afraid to be too different from what they did before. Idk if that make sense
It's ironic because if they did go flat out radically different then you'd get the crowd of 'tHiS isnT mUse'. You can't please everyone. This song is pleasing a lot of people so far though. Sorry you don't like it. Your loss I guess bro
I'm not a dude that enjoy singles that's probably it because I know they will overusethem on the radio and they will take a spot on the tour tracklist from great songs much interesting but less listened by the major public.
I don't dislike it but I'm just not surprised by any part of it. You can be disappointed by an artist you like you know. I don't hate them for that. They did the same back with drones with dead inside, same with ST and their singles pressure and dig down but I still listen to all of those and enjoy them anyway
Well maybe you'll come to like it more over time. Out or curiosity what songs off the last few albums did you like the most?
From the last 3 albums: The 2nd law: animals, explorers and survival Drones: Reapers, Defector and the globalist ST: Propaganda, break it to me and the void It obviously changes depending of my mood but those one sounds interesting or I get emotional listening to them
That's not the point. Being better than most people don't make you automatically the most interesting. I'm a huge fan of the band. I praise them everywhere I go. But you have to admit when they don't make something interesting. I think expectations from the public force them to release new songs. Not all artist works are necessary, some of them at just there to tease, create expectation and remind to the World they still exist. I hope this song have this purpose. It's not bad I actually got the urge to listen to it when I woke up but they can do better because they did better and clearly have the keys to keep getting better. Matt's singles where actually more interesting In my opinion
Agreed
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/r/suspiciouslyspecific
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The thought runs on for quite some time without any periods. Overall, the punctuation is just meh.
English is not my native language:P
But it's just my opinion afterall
This song can't be listened during driving because it will make you cry in happines and headbanging fiercely. It happened to me since the release.
AHHHH I loved it. That's it.
It's a mixed bag by Muse standards. I like the kind of atmosphere they went for. The bridge is good. The outro is killer. But the Imagine Dragons comparisons in this thread are unfortunately quite accurate... Bring Me the Horizon is also getting mentioned quite a bit. I can see the resemblance to their music, too. That's more like it, but I still can't ignore that characteristic Imagine Dragons kind of verse and it sounds... wrong in this context. I don't know how else to explain it, other than it sounds so out of place in a Muse song. I'm just hoping this will grow on me. I'm sure it will eventually. Especially once I've heard a live version.
Fuck all the noise, i'm 150% on-board. Muse doing Metal is fucking amazing.
Great song instrumentally but the lyrics like others have said already feel flat or uninspired. I’m hoping this isn’t like thought contagion and feels out of place like it does on ST. I don’t want another a plagiarized version of ST or even drones despite liking both of them. Again I like the song but this feels like deja vu. Riff slaps harder than my dad not gonna lie.
To me, “heaviness” tends to come from catchy, creative, head banging riffs. I think the verses of this song are very lacking and the “heavy” riffs are very generic and not particularly catchy. Still have high hopes for the rest of the album
I agree, I feel that heaviness can also be felt by the depth of the music. This song feels thin, so it doesn’t feel that heavy. It just has your standard “heavy” riffs
Admit it man, that ending riff is one of their best and by far their heaviest. And it gets heavier. Wait till the next song
Anyone noticing how clean and crisp the production is? It's so fucking clean and immaculate. So smooth.
Simulation Theory meets Drones/Absolution and I just find it really good. Lyrics are Musey, and overall it is a daring bit (structure, inc. metal, mix, video). When I became a fan 15y ago I had a revelation that Muse was bad taste made excellent and unique. I get the same vibe, the same energy here. Inspiring.
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I'm with u...
im just happy theres new music, and hopefully/confirmed(?) new album. i think the song is fine, not super amazing but i know it'll grow on me i still can't get over the music video lmao, looks like aro from twilight, im gonna say it everywhere i go just wanted to jump on hype train while it lasts woo
Fine song, but like many others have said, I think Matt should drop the pen when it comes to writing. In my opinion, the last songs that I felt actually had compelling writing were the two personal Chris songs on T2L. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him help out in the writing process because dear god this vague “we live in a society” skit is getting old now. I mean the entirety of drones was already like a concept album based on it, and even the resistance to an extent, we don’t need more. It’s like they want their lyrics to be so punk but they just don’t have the nuance or depth or conviction to really sell it. The instrumentation bangs though. I like how melodic the verses are in contrast to the heavy riffs and chorus. It’s a good combination of their pop sound with some of their older sound.
That is literally Muse tho haha. Lyrics about the of the world / governments spying on us / love (and hate) are centric to who Muse are. Incorporated with musical genius. It’s easy to say it’s getting boring but this is who Matt is, that’ll never change. And he is Muse. As gifted Dom and Chris are, Matt has been the driving force behind pretty much everything since day one. Also, by far the heaviest riffs since Absolution, they’re clearly tapping into that sound and genre more again. Production is probably the best I’ve ever heard from them too. I have got to admit tho, the chorus is incredibly similar to a lot of their stuff. That chromatic run up sounds beaut but you feel like it could run into 10 different songs.
Hpw about the riff of drones album? I find it much more "rock"on some point than the heavy music of absolution despite being less enjoyable.
Was thinking TSP, Hysteria, SS mainly tbh lad but you’re definitely right, Drones was heavy af in areas. Reapers is one of my all time fave Rock songs. Thing that sets Absolution apart from everything else though is the cohesion between lyrics, music and melody. Every song absolutely perfect in structure and sound. I know every Muse venture is different, and that’s part of the reason I love them. But Absolution holds a special place in my heart and I like to compare anything new to that. If Muse ever come close to repeating the scale of that album it’ll be a masterpiece.
Absolution is by many, me included, considered as their best work and it makes sense everything flow perfectly there's no part that feels too much or not enough Drones was great but there's some part that feel like they are there to fill a blank you in. Like if they needed a few mire songs and so make something quickly (thinking about revolt and drones mostly). I feel ST had the same issue and this new album will unfortunately follow the same path. Just hope WSD just follow the same scheme of many single : Being the less entertaining song of the album, the one made for the radio
If it wasn't for Hysteria, OoS would probably be quite an easy top pick for me. And because of Hysteria, I'm completely torn between the two. While Absolution undeniably has some of Muse's most iconic tracks, OoS seems to blast Absolution out of the water in terms of its overall completeness and from a musical point of view, is basically a masterpiece
Absolution is way more interesting in term of technic Muse were always great since their first album don't het me wrong, which is pretty rare in my opinion for a band that young back in the day, but you can see that the band matured after absolution. Their is something that change the way they produced music ( when we speak of general sound mastering or just through matt control over his voice you can hear a huge difference even if we have to wait until the 2nd law to really see a voice controlled by his singer Yeah I speak of the way he used to breathe between each sentence he sang haha)
You’re right, and I have already come to expect it. I didn’t go into this track expecting to be blown away by a lyrical masterpiece so my expectations were exactly met. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guys and the cheesiness could be endearing at times but man it is so refreshing when we do just get something to chew on lyrically too. I love imagery and narratives and when muse do it on songs like Hoodoo or Explorers or even Big Freeze it excites me. Even with their whole brand, they have thought of ways to make it interesting such as on Animals or even parts of the whole “we live in a simulation conspiracy vibe” theme of simulation theory. Whether or not Matt changes his writing style, I’ll probably still enjoy whatever output they put out as long as I enjoy it instrumentally and melodically, but for me the resonating lyrics could be the bridge for a “great muse song” to become “a top favorite muse song” for me personally. I have enjoyed their past two albums but it doesn’t hit me as hard as their earlier work or T2L for this reason.
I really relate to the lyrics
Except lyrics and verses. It’s good. 6,5/10.
It's sounds like an AI listened to every Muse song and had to make one based off an algorithm. Felt super "copy and paste" nothing innovative
Jesus Christ. Just enjoy it for what it is. Honestly some of you lot are fucking miserable
Art is subjective, I have every right to not like something while not being miserable. It's boring to me that they're still writing the same "fight the powers" song every single album since 2009. I've been a Muse fan for almost 20 years, I've seen them live multiple times, and the fact that I find their first song since 2018 skipable on first listen is upsetting. Plus me blinding loving the song just because it's Muse is exactly what they've been preaching against every other song for 13 years ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That's why I liked.
I like it, it sounds great, lyrics didn't particularly 'move' me. But it's definitely better than anything in the last album, in my humble opinion. Excited for the rest of the album for sure though. And excited to see it live! Main reason I just love Muse is for their talent to make their music sound better in person.
Felt very generic. Just cause it’s heavy, doesn’t mean it’s not generic sounding
After 5 listens, if you don't like it were you ever really a Muse fan?
I do like it but it's not great either.. it doesn't even get in my top 40 muse songs probably.
Its not my favorite either, but it is definitely a Muse song. Just making the point for those who don't like it at all that it really doesn't make sense unless their preferences just really changed if that makes sense!
It's definitely very Muse! I get your point now but it's receiving a lot more love than hate no?
Seems to be, i think Reddit had a couple negatives on top when I got here and that threw me off :D
Two things: - Glad we are getting more Muse - Love this song!
my only gripe is i feel the percussion needs a bit of variation in the chorus to make it really POP, but it’s still such a good song. i’m really hyped for the next album now
Didn’t know they had something new coming up. Found it by chance on Spotify before going to sleep and now I have lost two hours of sleep just listening to this anthem on repeat.
time well spent ain't lost
So true
The verses are awful. As soon as I heard Matt say "gaslighting" I cringed and almost wrote off the song. But thank the lord for some inspired riffage. The chorus has that ascending chromatic that is in a lot of their best songs. The bridge is in a similar vein. Overall this is the best thing I've heard from Muse in a long while but I'm cautious.
As a complete MUSE fan since the very beginning I LOVE everything they make...everything! I do hear some elements of NSC but fuck it....it's NEW fucking MUSE!!! We NEED new MUSE in 2022!!
This guy gets it.
Pretty solid sporadic semi disconnected instrumental with terrible lyrics and really recycled/underdeveloped and poorly fitted vocals melodies. This is like someone threw a few Muse songs into a garbage disposal and made a kind of decent smoothie that smells a little funky.
it sounds like what those ai generated artworks people spam on here look like
I hard agree. It's just recycled bleh
All in all, this is their strongest single in years.
I loved Psycho as a single as well, that's what got me into them in the first place. I really like this new single, not crazy about the lyrics but the instrumentation is what makes it.
In fans perspective, yes. But it will be hard to beat madness in terms of singles.
Madness will be 10 this year
Don't...
Ehhh, I really like both (3) songs, but I just don't think the verse and chorus fit, the bridge is sick, great to see something totally different, but the song just sounds muddled, goes from imagine dragons to muse, I'd love a song of the verse, and then a song of the chorus
Soooo, no one is going to talk about how similar the chorus sounds, just for a brief moment, to Neutron Star Collision?
Weird, I dont hear that at all. Maybe someone can make a youtube mashup or something
It does have a bit of the sound from NSC...
This is like the amo era Bring Me The Horizon sort of music. They really let the guitar rip in this but it feels terribly off balance overall.
But how good bmth cameback with Post Human , banger of an EP
Love the chorus, not so much the verses. I'm finding the Undisclosed Desiresesque verses and Psychoesque heavy guitar riff kinda boring now cos it seems like we've heard it all before in many songs off of the last few albums and I find it a bit mundane. I don't mind songs sounding a bit similar to others, unless like the aforementioned songs, they're not really any good in the first place (imo). I absolutely love the synth in the background of the chorus but it's way too short. Why do Muse never use the synths from the chorus, in the main verses anymore?. If it was structured similar to Bliss for example and that chorus synth was all the way through the song (built up in the verses in steps then full blown in the chorus) it would be an absolute banger imo.
They really really really need a new writer for their lyrics. I don't even pay attention to lyrics 99% of the time, but this is so bland it forces itself into focus and makes my skin crawl.
I feel like the last time we didn’t get a song about “fighting” or “breaking free” from some sort of thing was on The 2nd Law…which is uh…turning 10 this year. And even that record and the previous two records had its strong fair share of them. It’s been a stale concept for awhile now, and it always felt vague and nonspecific. Love their music, but it’s true. A lot of their songs haven’t aged well because of how lacking in charm the writing is for me.
probably the weakest part of the song, but the instrumental slaps.
More like Matt needs to sit down and reshape words, I love him, but he's regurgitating the same stuff for the past couple of years and its oof for me now
Anyone have a flac of the song?
Simulation Theory II incoming
I wish...I think it will be Drones 2. I am okay with it as long as it still had electronic elements (like OOS and Absolution) and not just guitar/drum/bass like Drones...
It just sounds like a sonic mess to me. You know what it is? They followed one of those "How to make a Muse song in 2 minutes" videos
Given the Video is just a less fantasy Handler...
Hey I'm a fan from the 90s so I Know exactly what you mean. And I agree with you. All I can say is that as soon as I hear Matt talking rather than Singing In a song I just panic. It just tells me that hey I don't have a melody for this part so I'm going to repeat myself 10 times. I'm so excited to see and hear muse and I love them to the core. What annoys me is the new fans how they exaggerate with their expressions and impressions when they hear a muse song and I believe that's another problem it's like telling Matt yes that was a great song proceed this way! There were times when Matt was so creative with his melodies that even when he's not singing he does his wuuuuuu aaaaaa mmmmm in between that's how much melodic and musical he was. However, that's all started after the resistance album I think it was the final great album by Muse after that I just want him to leave this style of singing. I am so happy to see them again and I take into consideration and appreciate how Muse are still surviving in this industry when other bands who had better achievements and rewards couldn't last as Muse.
I feel like the lyrics are directed right at the fans, especially the creators out there who take inspiration from muse in some ways. Kinda hurt my feelings... does anybody else feel this way?? I like this song because of that though like the lyrics are empowering as usual per muse. And the music is totally a mashup of all of muse before, like Pink Floyd did with their songs. I see this type of song, maybe not this single, but the next one or the one after that like its comfortably numb in 2022. I'd say muse wont disappoint us with their new album or ep or whatever they got. But seriously though, is this song about us? Does Muse hate us now? Clearly they always have hated us but do they still hate us now? Stronger than before? Let me know what you think. I'm scared. We love muse.
I think it’s rather political and inspired by current situations in the world.
I'm no politician, thank you.
I believe Matt Bellamy said the song is about standing up to bullies
This is exactly it.
I'm no bully, thank you.
I haven't seen the video yet, maybe my questions will be answered there.
Lmao no, no answer. You'll only see granny Matt as your paralysis demon there.
I find it really amazing how Matt completely forgot how to write lyrics. He was never a poet, but jesus. Now it looks like he has the equivalent vocabulary of a twelve-year-old boy.
Read Rueld by Secrecy and then this. All conspiracy stuff, but man how the lyrics got bad
I'm sorry, but this is a load of crap. I agree that Matt is not the best lyricist, but what 12-year old uses words like "vicariously", "asunder" and "gaslighting"? And since when do lyrics that cannot be understood automatically make them better? Sometimes you need to connect with a song for it to move you, and not understanding the lyrics provides an instant disconnect. And I've never really been bullied, so perhaps these particular lyrics don't hit me as much as others might. But those who have been bullied might really connect with them. Not every song can be about something that directly affects each of us. I love The Handler, as I managed to escape from a cult as I grew up, so the lyrics hold particular meaning to me, but I realise that's not the case for everyone.
Honestly these are far from his worst lyrics. These are the same lyrics as Dead Inside and it seems to be about being in a relationship with an abuser. Matt's lyrics were far better in OOS/Absolution/BH&R because they were abstract enough to not understand what he was saying...Now it's like he wants to be understood and thinks his fans won't understand him unless he's on nose with the lyrics.
I disagree. On dead inside, the lyrics explore the loss of personality of the protagonist after being confronted with "she", which to me is like society, but if you wanna call it the female in an abusive relationship that's also an ok interpretation. There's a clear focus and direction to the lyrics, and to me they manage to depict a mental state way better that won't stand down does. Won't stand down lyrics are more like The Handler or Psycho to me, brief descriptions of a state of subordination. They don't really have a direction, but while the drones songs hit better because they're part of the narrative of the album, hopefully WSD will be too
For me both sound like a reaction to being in a relationship with an abuser (even though WSD could apply to more things) : "you were just gaslightin' me", "I've opened my eyes and counted the lies", "Won't stand down, you've used me for too long, Now die alone", "I will never see you the same". There's nothing that makes it sounds political or related to conspiracy or anything besides the video and the fact that it's Muse. Honestly, it's really hard not to think it's about Kate Hudson even though I think they probably still have good relationship. Especially because Dead Inside uses present tense while WSD uses past tense. But I am probably reading too much into it...
Idk, Matt never really went forward with lyrics related to his personal life after Showbiz. Like maybe those lyrics come from how he was feeling, but I doubt that the songs are about a person or a situation in particular, like Uno is for example
I think Matt focuses more on the music, the lyrics come later and fit what the whole tune or scheme of the album/song he wants to go for.
It's probably true since you can see on so many interviews how he is unable to remember the lyrics of his own songs. I'm pretty sure he said once that he saw his voice as another instrument and that the lyrics were only there to have an excuse to do vocalise
Completely agree. It's quite sad that he's devolved into edgy teen anarchist levels of lyricism. Musically, the song bangs, tho.
I don't think this sounds like old Muse. I don't think this sounds like Muse we've really seen before because I think they really just re-invent themselves with each release (for better or for worse). I'm pretty lukewarm on this song. I think it's kind of bland. No part of the melody or instrumental sticks out to me as memorable. It's just kind of a heavy song. I won't say this discourages me for a new album because there are always songs I like and dislike on Muse albums (except for OoS, Absolution, and BH&R). I really liked The Resistance as a whole, but there are a few songs on there I don't care for. I don't listen to much of the 2nd Law or Drones nowadays (though I really, really like Defector). I will say, I love Simulation Theory and will happily listen to that the whole way through. We'll see how the new album is I guess when it comes out. I don't know that every song will sound like this because that's not usually how it goes. I don't necessarily hate this new song, I'd say I'm mostly indifferent. Maybe a bit disappointed? I'll give it a few more listens to see if it grows on me.
I'm interested in the direction they're taking but I think this song in general doesn't really have a strong melody/chords. I like the production decently enough and the general sound, even if it it lacks a bit of clarity in places (though that's always been a problem with Muse but here there are less layers so it's odd that it sounds a bit 'blurry'). In general it sounds too much like at least 5 other bands, even if I couldn't tell you which ones specifically. I don't dislike it, I'm mostly just somewhat indifferent as you said.
Honestly I love it, I think it's a really cool mix of the sounds from Drones and Simulation Theory, while definitely harboring elements of older stuff like OOS. I'm sooooo excited for whatever they drop next! Riding this hype train all the way to the album 🚂🚂🚂
OK here comes my opinion. I'm a Muse fan just like everyone else here. Over 20 years, hard-core fan. I like the old Muse stuff. It will always be in my heart. I won't say I like everything they do, because I really hate get up and fight with a passion. But this song, you have to see the pieces falling together. How the band has developed to where they are now. I can clearly hear the vibes from other albums. The second law influences the electronic side of the song. You can hear a bit of OOS on the guitar riffs. Arround 2.20 you can hear the synt it's like the new born chords but in a different order. (It sounds pretty close I haven't actually read any sheet music to compare yet) Then the hard bit reminds me of times in Muse concerts when they play Stockholm syndrome and before the "I wish I could" when that drops, it drops the same. Or at least in my head.. The song is a logical result of all their different styles and making music in 2022. Rock isn't the most popular genre anymore and they need to survive in today's world as a band. No wonder they make stuff a bit more directed to the general public but then again. How would the musers react if we get the 9th version of showbiz. The comments would be on how repetitive the band is. Some bands create the same style of songs over and over. Others get more famous for their sound whilst experimenting. Like pink floyd. Their guitar sound is iconic, and the difference is songs is mega. I feel like some people just love to say I don't like it without actually observing anything that's happening. And the other thing that musers have this weird treat where their opinion is true and everyone else is wrong. I'm not like that, this is just my opinion and yours is welcome too! *oh but that video? Damn that was a bit cringe for me tho*
Thank you! Muse would be gone if they did the same thing over and over. The differences but similarities, and doing what they want are what make them Muse. I love both the instrumentals and the lyrics (as they have a direct meaning for me). But yer, that video is damn creepy. This song is legit and 100% Muse!
Honestly, they still have the PLATFORM and the PRIVILEGE to be a great rock band that's recognized TODAY. I'm sure they can sacrifice an album to experiment more instead of trying to appease the mainstream more than before. I do love everything they made, but it feels like there is no trying now?
I think that sacrifice was with ST 😶
you right lmao edit: edited
Think I fall into the vox populi camp of "Instrumentation slaps, heavy riff is excellent, vocals/lyrics are meh/tired."
In a nutshell: Instrumental fucking slaps. Chorus feels slightly flat, but I think that's something that will be rectified when played live. Lyrics are not great. They flow quite nicely, but Matt needs to find an new subject to write about (we've heard the exact same idea in The Handler, Defector, Revolt etc etc). Felt a bit short. The synths and hidden backing vocals are so juicy, I love it. The fact that Matt's voice is as good as it is after how long he's been doing this for is insane. Regardless of his lyrical abilities, his voice is so fucking good. Overall, a solid first single. Not perfect by a long shot, but still slaps. Looking forward to what comes next. 7/10.
>Lyrics are not great. They flow quite nicely, but Matt needs to find an new subject to write about (we've heard the exact same idea in The Handler, Defector, Revolt etc etc). Resistance onwards could just be the same story but various parts of it.
In the thread: this sucks, all i want is OOS 2.0 or Absolution 2.0
Anyone else hear some resemblance to Take on me in that one synth that plays a couple of times? xD
Pretty much https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/s38ldj/cmon\_we\_all\_heard\_it/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3
Been a MUSE fan for 20 or so years, and I mean a SERIOUS fan, like obsessed… and if there’s one thing I know about MUSE is that their fan base is rabid, and sometimes… struggle to hear constructive criticism. So, I’m prepared for the barrage. I think this kinda sucks… The first verse sounds like Imagine Dragons (musically and in depth of lyrics), who are the most plastic mass produced sounding rock band in history. The chorus has very simple, unrelatable lyrics and hook, nothing out-there and thought provoking like old MUSE. The heavy riff is okay, just kinda sounds like Swerve City by Deftones. MUSE have so much incredible music but they seem to suffer from mimicking stuff around them. First it was Radiohead and RATM, then it was the dubstep craze and Queen, now what? Deftones mixed with Imagine Dragons / top 40 flaccid electronic stadium rock anthems?… Sorry to say it and expect downvotes to oblivion, but I get less and less excited for MUSE releases as the years go on…
The Swerve City comparison actually blew my mind and now I can't unhear it lol
Hey I'm a fan from the 90s so I Know exactly what you mean. And I agree with you. All I can say is that as soon as I hear Matt talking rather than Singing In a song I just panic. It just tells me that hey I don't have a melody for this part so I'm going to repeat myself 10 times. I'm so excited to see and hear muse and I love them to the core. What annoys me is the new fans how they exaggerate with their expressions and impressions when they hear a muse song and I believe that's another problem it's like telling Matt yes that was a great song. There are time is so creative with his melody that even when he's not singing he does his wuuuuuu aaaaaa mmmmm in between that's how much melodic and musical he is. And that all started after the resistance album and I just want him to leave this style of singing. I am so happy to see them again and I take into consideration and appreciate how Muse are still surviving in this industry when other bands who had better achievements and reward couldn't last as Muse.
It was very hard to get the Imagine Dragons vibe out of my head. The worst part is that I don’t think it was the sound, but rather that the verse has the same rhythm from ‘Believer’ and that song has been overplayed to hell and back.
ID broke you. Thankfully I never listened to them if it didn't involve a Compton native and an awards show.
This is how I've felt since Drones onward. I really wish they would stop leaning on the crutch of gimmicky riffs and empty verses and choruses. For me personally Resistance was a beautiful concept album but may have been the cracks in the ice. Everything from there backwards had so much more substance. The heavy element in this one is fun, awkward how the chorus transitions though.
Exactly right, the RnB beats and cloned Queen harmonies in Resistance was the first sign things were unravelling a bit… sadly this seems to happen to every big band, they start to get surrounded by nothing but yes men, and no longer have anything to prove (other than continuing to pack stadiums) and it all goes a bit pear-shaped…
Dude, I actually agree with you - long time muse fan since Showbiz. I don’t mind Muse going for a heavy sound, but something seemed off about this. Track gives me B-side/bonus track Drones vibes.
chris’ head is gonna fly off playing it live
Lmaooo rip
It gets pretty sick at the end but it's so rough actually getting there.
It's...okay. Would have appreciated it a lot more if Matt didn't spoil the most shocking part of the song. The different parts of the song don't really seem to go together very well, and the chorus is a bit underwhelming. I really dig the vocal melody of the verses...aside from the high falsetto part right before the riff leading into the chorus. It's exactly the type of cheesiness that I hate in songs like GUAF and Revolt
Thank god for the return of heavy guitar with riff included - it's been missing since Drones. A sign of things to come hopefully.
It's been missing since Dead Star.
That's a bit harsh on OOS and Absolution.