Matthew Bellamy and Grammy-winning alternative rock band Muse returns with thrilling single, “Thought Contagion,” their first new single of 2018.  

British, Grammy-winning alternative rock band Muse seem to have a new album in the works.  It’s about time, considering Drones arrived in 2015.  After releasing the respectable, if somewhat underwhelming “Dig Down” in 2017, Matthew Bellamy and company returns with “Thought Contagion.” If nothing more, the title of the record is brilliant.  The spread of harmful ideas, practices, or thoughts?

“Strung out falling from the big time / Welcome to the infinite black skies / Brain cleansed fractured identity / Fragments and scattered debris.” That’s how the first verse of “Thought Contagion” goes down.  Perhaps cerebral is an overstatement in lyrical characterization, but Bellamy is working with some clever words and ideas.  The following chorus isn’t much, simply restating the title.  However, following the second verse, there’s a bit more ‘meat’ leading into it, via pre-chorus.

“You’ve been bitten by a true believer / You’ve been bitten by someone who’s hungrier than you / You’ve been bitten by a true believer / “You’ve been bitten by someone’s false beliefs.”

In addition to the standout section of “Thought Contagion,” the music is fittingly dramatic. Bellamy is firmly invested into what he’s singing. He amplified by piano, pummeling drums, and by the chorus, backing vocals that fuel the fire singing “whoa.” The final iteration of the pre-chorus, following the third verse, is more guitar-driven, showing some contrast and musical progression.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Matthew Bellamy and Muse brings the heat on “Thought Contagion.” Firstly, awesome title.  More importantly, the content proves that the record is more than just a cool title.  Great vocals, great production, and some great songwriting.  Will the world be changed by thought contagion? While it literally can and has happened to some extent, it may not necessarily be a Muse song that’s the catalyst.

Muse • Thought Contagion – Single • Warner Bros. • Release: 2.15.18

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.