British alternative rock band Muse returns with a politically-charged single, “Dig Down.” “Dig Down” offers few answers, but promotes the ‘resist’ movement.

Don’t fret – Muse has returned! That’s right, Matthew Bellamy and company dropped a new single, “Dig Down.” As always, “Dig Down” proves to be an experience that only Muse could deliver to listeners. Like so many musicians, Muse goes for the trendy topic – political corruption.  In the eyes of Muse, society is currently screwed up, but we can fix it.

“Dig Down” opens with synths, set in a dark, minor key. From the jump, Matthew Bellamy is charged up.  On the first verse, he’s discouraged by the state of the world, yet resolute to find a fix.

“When hope and love has been lost and you fall to the ground / You must find a way… / When God decides to look the other way and a clown takes the throne / We must find a way.”

There are a number of reasons the aforementioned lyrics stand out.  The first is obvious – the clown who Muse reference is President Donald Trump.  It doesn’t need to be explained that controversy has surrounded his election to the presidency, not to mention his presidency itself.  The second reason it stands out is the shot that Bellamy takes at God.  Bellamy is no stranger to referencing his atheism, and he finds another opportunity to confirm his nonbeliever status.

The chorus is grand, in all its neo-prog rock glory. No, the lyrics aren’t the most poetic, but effectively deliver Muse’s message:

“Dig down / Dig down / Dig down and find faith / When you’re close to the edge / With a gun to your head / You must find a way.”

Interestingly, the sound of the chorus musically and lyrically is more optimistic.  Clearly, there’s a sense of resilience despite the ugliness that’s pervading the world. The second verse continues in similar fashion to the first.  Bellamy lists the misfortunes of society, urging us to, well, “dig down.”

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Dig Down” measure up? The message of the record is on-point – being resolute and being resilient are exceptional, necessary traits.  Fighting adversity is never a tone-deaf message.  What is a bit disappointing about this promising track is there is a lack of depth – there are no clear-cut answers as to how we “dig down.” Muse has had better moments than “Dig Down,” but there’s something here.

Muse • Dig Down – Single • Warner Bros. • Release: 5.18.17

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.