Grammy-winning alternative rock band Muse delivers their best work in years on their eighth studio album, ‘Simulation Theory.’

British alternative rock band Muse took things slowly prepping for the release of their follow-up (Simulation Theory) to their 2015, Grammy winning LP, Drones. Matthew Bellamy and company returns after a three-year hiatus and a prolonged promo campaign. During this campaign, the band dropped a number of interesting singles, dabbling in pop and interestingly, the 80s.  The result is the band’s best work since The Resistance (2009).

“Algorithm” 

☑ “Algorithm” kicks off Simulation Theory epically, featuring slick, rhythmically-driven electronic production (synths), as well as some stellar classical music cues.  Muse doesn’t get into a rush, as Bellamy doesn’t begin singing until after the minute-and-a-half-long instrumental intro.  Once he does contribute his pipes, he’s as high-flying as the backdrop supporting him.  Know one thing – “This means war / With your creator.” “Algorithm (Alternate Reality Version)” appears as the 12^th track on the deluxe edition.

“I have lived in darkness / For all my life, I’ve been pursued / You’d be afraid if you could feel my pain / And If you could see the things I’m able to see.” ☑ “The Dark Side” marked one of the best advance singles from Simulation Theory. Among the best attributes of “Dark Side” is the 80s-inspired, New Wave-infused vibe. Incredibly groovy from the onset, the band thrives off the driving, energetic beat. Things are further amplified by the minor key scheme, and synth arpeggiation.  Beyond the backdrop itself, Matthew Bellamy is on-point with lovely falsetto and overall compelling vocals. He uses his full voice on the centerpiece, the chorus. There is no lack of energy throughout the record. “The Dark Side (Alternate Reality Version)” graces the deluxe edition.

“Pressure”

“Don’t push me / Don’t push me / Let me get off the ground / To you I’m not longer bound.”☑ “Pressure” sports groovy vibes from the jump.  The brass hits, combined with the biting guitar, definitely provides a kickass listening experience. Set in a minor key, “Pressure” also manages some major key moments. Pummeling drums add intensity to the ear-catching start. Bellamy’s vocals are solid, incorporating full voice and falsetto.  The lyrics are intense, including highlights such as, “I’m grinding it out, no one can see /The pressure’s growing exponentially” and, “I see your corruption / I’m not blind / I’ll carry the burden and take the strain / And when I am done I will make you pay.” Also, worth mentioning are the awesome whispered vocals during the pre-chorus, singing the titular lyric. Ultimately, “Pressure” thrives off those symphonic, neo-prog rock vibes that Muse has been known for over the years, while also incorporating pop elements.

“Propaganda”

☑ “Propaganda” is among the wildest rides of Simulation Theory.  Clearly, Muse embraces urban production cues, thanks to co-production by Timbaland.  As to be expected from a Timbaland production, the beat and the rhythm play a significant role to the overall success. So does Bellamy’s vocals, and a hella memorable chorus, not to mention the gimmicky pitch-shifted vocals.  Interestingly, “Propaganda (Acoustic Version)” is nearly as alluring as the sleek electronically-tinged main version.  Another compelling left of center joint follows “Propaganda,” ☑ “Break it to Me.” “Break it to Me” is successful thanks to unique production (beat, guitar, and synths), harmonic progression, and a colorful melodic line.

“My circuits have blown / I know it’s self-imposed / And all I have shared, and all I have loved / Is all I’ll ever own…” Bellamy sings in relatively restrained fashion on the first verse of ☑ “Something Human”, clearly perturbed.  The record commences with a mix of electronic production ideas and acoustic guitar. Somewhat of departure from the majority of Simulation Theory, nonetheless, there’s still a driving groove providing rhythmic intensity.  Bellamy exhibits a bit more oomph on the second verse, while he yearns for home on the pre-chorus.  While “Something Human” felt underwhelming as an advance single, it’s more appealing in the context of Simulation Theory. “Something Human (Acoustic Version)” is a superb addition to the deluxe edition of the album.

“Thought Contagion”

“Strung out falling from the big time / Welcome to the infinite black skies / Brain cleansed fractured identity / Fragments and scattered debris.” ☑ “Thought Contagion” is among the most thrilling moments of Simulation Theory. The title is brilliant – the spread of harmful ideas, practices, or thoughts… The excerpt from the first verse serves as evidence that Bellamy delivers some clever words and ideas.  The chorus isn’t much, however, post-second verse, there’s a bit more ‘meat’ leading into the chorus, via a pre-chorus. Also, notably, the music is dramatic. Bellamy is firmly invested into what he’s singing, amplified by piano, pummeling drums, and backing vocals. The final iteration of the pre-chorus, is more guitar-driven, showing contrast and musical progression.

“Get Up and Fight”

“Get Up and Fight” is chocked-full of pop sensibility on the verses. This is the first thing the listener hears.  Personally, it was a bit of a turn-off as it seemed that Muse was overplaying their ‘pop hand.’ However, there’s clear balance once the guitar-heavy, electrifying chorus kicks in.  Here, the Bellamy and company clearly show their investment into rock music, period. “Blockades” continues to excellence that is Simulation Theory, delivering more rhythmically-driven lines and pummeling drums. The script is much the same, and that’s awesome to the nth degree. Bellamy definitely ‘digs in’ on another epic refrain.

“Dig Down” 

“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.” On ☑ “Dig Down”, Muse tackles political corruption.  In the eyes of the band, 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 determined 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 ‘clown’ who Muse references is President Donald Trump (self-explanatory).  The second reason it stands out is the shot Bellamy takes at God (he’s an atheist by the way). The chorus is grand, in all its neo-prog rock glory, while the lyrics effectively deliver the message.  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.  Notably, the deluxe edition adds an even more soulful version, “Dig Down (Acoustic Gospel Version).” 

Yes, following up “Dig Down” is tough, but the enigmatic, intense “The Void” is certainly a fitting closer to the standard edition of Simulation Theory.  The electronics (synths) remain sharp, while the vibes are sensational.

Final Thoughts

As aforementioned, Muse delivers their best work in years (since The Resistance in 2009) on their eighth studio album, Simulation Theory.  What makes this album so damn good? Sweet production, awesome vocals, and a heavy dosage of drama, intensity, and sheer passion.  I was a bit leery going into Simulation Theory, but this is easily one of the best albums of 2018.

☑ Gems: “Algorithm,” “The Dark Side,” “Pressure,” “Propaganda,” “Break it to Me,” “Something Human”, “Thought Contagion” & “Dig Down”

Muse » Simulation Theory » Warner Bros. » Release: 11.9.18

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.