To further their signature collaboration of classical music, riveting guitar solos and political lyrics, the rock band Muse released their latest album, The Resistance, Sept. 14.

The band originated in Teignmouth, Devon in 1994, and has released five studio albums, including The Resistance since their beginning.

The album features 11 tracks, including the three-part symphony finale, “Exogenesis.” The band implemented new styles to liven up the album, along with sounds established in previous successes.

In true Muse style, lead singer Matthew Bellamy starts off the album expressing his distrust in bankers and political figures: “Push drugs to keep us all dumbed down…/ green belts wrapped around our minds and endless red tape to keep the truth confined.” His claim reflects his opinion on the manner of information being hidden from the public within political affairs.

Bellamy proclaims in the chorus, “They will not force us/ they will stop degrading us/ They will not control us/ we will be victorious.”

Although some would protest his declarations, the song remains an ideal introduction to the rest of the CD. It promotes their angle and sets everything off with an high note, keeping the listener wanting more.

To change the pace, a completely new concept was introduced with the France-inspired tune, “I Belong to You.” In the song, Bellamy transitions to a interlude in French. Although the lyrics roughly translate to “She responds to my drunkenness/ she responds to my kindness” the musical notion works quite well. Despite slight randomness in these words, its French style transforms it into beautiful verses.

A bass clarinet solo is then featured, bringing yet another enticing element to “The Resistance.”

The presence of Exogenesis, the symphony-laden finale, completes the album in a beautiful atmosphere.

In “Part One, Overture.”, Bellamy tells the story of the human race coming to an end. A remaining group puts all hope of survival into a group of astronauts who will explore other planets to find a suitable environment for humanity to exist.

“Part Two, Cross-Pollination”, expresses the deep longing of success in the mission. In the final “Part Three, Redemption”, astronauts come to the realization that unless humanity changes, the unfortunate cycle will occur again.

Each piece conveys wistful yearning and desperation. The storyline transforms into a beautiful symphony, a neat closure to their creation.

As a somewhat recently begun fan of Muse, this was my first album release to anticipate. I had high expectations, as all of their other music appeals to me and many others.

When I finally had my hands on the CD, the new direction somewhat surprised me and was almost anti-climatic. However, after a few times through each song, I came to comprehend their concept, understanding and appreciating the work produced.

The band distinguishes themselves as unmistakably Muse with unique aspects individually, putting it together into one sound. Bellamy’s vocals range from an average low bass up to notes much higher than many women. He is able to maintain this amazing range beautifully without making the notes shrill.

Bellamy also heads off the group with his differing electric guitar techniques and piano here and there. He often mixes together classical sounds with rock, resulting in very interesting and compelling tunes.

Rhythmic bass guitar chords and drums keep the beat by Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard. Instead of leaving the bass line at a boring repeated beat, Wolstenholme plays up differing, interesting lines.

Although the album lacks one big hit after another like some of their previous scores, Muse steps up to a new level of innovation in “The Resistance.”

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