MUSE are a three-piece English prog/alternative rock band that
have been blasting speakers since their first album Showbiz in
1999. Drones is their sixth LP and, like its predecessors, is
heavy on political themes. What separates Drones from the
albums that went before it is the fact that it is not just a few songs with
political motifs; the whole album has a revolutionary concept, and lyrics,
instrumentation and subtext combine ingeniously to provide an artwork with a
clear message and motive. Vitriolic, anarchy-inciting lyrics combine with
snarling, fuzzy guitars and crashing cymbals to ensure Drones will
be the soundtrack of the Revolution.
As all artists should, Muse have evolved with their constantly growing
fan base, and this is apparent in Drones. Some songs appeal to the
avid fans of Muse’s earlier works, such as Psycho and Reapers. These
compare with other tracks, such as Mercy and Revolt,
that may alienate staunch fans of pre-The Resistance Muse yet satisfy
those who were fond of the approach the band took with The 2nd Law. Some
critics would say The Resistance and The 2nd Law were
evidence of Muse being ‘popified’, and there may be traces of this on Drones,
but overall, the stadium anthems and unmistakeable riffs are more indicative of
a return to the music most Muse fans know and love.
Opening track Dead Inside gives listeners a
delectable taste of what’s to follow. Drummer Dom Howard does his job as well
as ever, providing a solid backbeat for the rhythm section which is filled out
by bassist Chris Wolstenholme’s melodic, pulsing basslines. The instrumentation
cleverly combines old and new with both electronic synthesisers and classic
electric guitar. The heartfelt key change that makes you want to wave your
lighter in the air showcases Matthew Bellamy’s – at times Mercury-esque – vocals,
which always feature in both Muse’s recordings and live shows.
Spoken track [Drill Sergeant] really lays the
anti-establishmentarian foundations that are consistently built upon as the
album progresses. Few tracks really convey the intended message quite as
effectively as the aggressive first single, Psycho. Anyone who
has seen Muse live knows of their fondness for jam sessions between songs, and
they have successfully turned one of their most famous filler riffs into a
song: Psycho, the lynchpin and standout track on Drones.
Early Muse fans – myself included – rejoiced at the return of the unmistakeable
dirty riffs, technically tight yet out-of-control drums, fuzzy bass and
piercing falsetto. The headbanging riffs, heavily distorted chords and
Bellamy’s trademark “tapping” techniques are also prominent in fifth track Reapers and eighth track Defector.
The amazing thing about Drones
is despite the fact that there are a couple of tracks that might, on their
own, be duds, the album as a whole is one of the most comprehensive and
intelligently put together concept albums I have come across in a long time. As
I previously mentioned, no single aspect of the songs or album stands out to
deliver a message: all facets combine to make Drones a work of art.
The lyrics are an exquisite example of the rollercoaster of a
political outcast’s emotions – Psycho
conveys hate; Defector is defiant; Mercy is pleading; and Aftermath goes from vulnerable to inspiringly
triumphant.
Unconventional techniques such as spoken tracks ([Drill Sergeant] and [JFK]) and subtle subtext are unusual
yet undeniably powerful ways to awaken listeners to the fact they are being
lied to and taken advantage of, and to encourage them to rise up against those
in power.
The atmosphere of the album is aggressive yet empowering and
enlightening. It lights the fire of your inner revolutionary and makes you want
to reach for your balaclava and Molotov cocktails. Despite its aggressiveness,
it is still easy on the ears and pleasurable to listen to. As always, Muse’s
collective musical genius means musically, songs are intricate and complex, but
they are never far out of the layman’s ability to understand and appreciate.
If you are an early Muse
purist, then maybe avoid a couple of tracks. But if you love a good political
message and a bit of air guitar, then Drones
might just be for you.
Rating: 8/10
Get Drones on iTunes here
If you or someone you know has live or recorded music you'd like me to check out, please email me at musicmindedaus@hotmail.com
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