Veteran, Grammy-winning, alternative rock band Muse returns with their second single of 2018, “Something Human.” It’s respectable, if a wee bit underwhelming.

British alternative rock band Muse has been taking things ‘kinda slow’ prepping the release of their follow-up LP to Drones.  Drones was a ‘rock-solid’ album that earned Matthew Bellamy and the gang a second Grammy win for Best Rock Album.  They’ve released two singles post-Drones (“Dig Down” and “Thought Contagion”), though none of them have had much staying power.  Likely, “Something Human,” the most distinct of the bunch, will turn off some fans of the band.  It’s not exactly what we normally expect from the neo-prog rockers.

“Something Human” commences with a mix of electronic production ideas and acoustic guitar. Safe to say, this is a bit of an off-putting start. Still, there’s a driving groove that provides some rhythmic intensity. Matthew Bellamy sings in relatively restrained fashion on the first verse. While there’s the hope he’ll ‘Dig Down’ a bit more and pack more punch, clearly, he’s perturbed.

“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…”

On the second verse, he exhibits a bit more oomph overall.  Still, he’s just not quite as commanding as usual. “Let’s burn all the money, absolve all the lies / and wake up unscathed.” On the pre-chorus, Bellamy makes it crystal clear that he’s ready to return home:

“Oh, oh, oh, ten thousand miles left on the road / Oh, oh, oh, five-hundred hours ‘till I am home.”

The pre-chorus, as well as the chorus, is relatively cool, not as electrifying or ‘turned-up’ as we normally expect from Muse.  Maybe it’s all the effects of needing “… Something human, human / Human, human.” Speaking of effects – sound effects specifically – a variety of sound are triggered by the word “human” on the chorus.  Also, worth noting is the brief but interesting use of organ on the bridge section.  There is also an instrumental section that separates the the bridge and the chorus.

Final Thoughts 

Hmm, “Something Human” just feels a bit underwhelming from Muse. It’s interesting and certainly distinct from material they’ve released in the past, but I miss that ‘next level’ – that knockout punch.  I would love more grit from Matthew Bellamy, who’s more than capable of giving it.

Muse • Something Human – Single • Warner Bros. • Release: 7.19.18

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.