British alt-rockers Muse, who have been building impressive soundscapes and tackling ambitious issues in their lyrics since the mid-90s, continued their trajectory with their sixth album, The 2nd Law, which was released October 1st. The title refers to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, which frontman Matt Bellamy sums up as: "An economy based on endless growth is unsustainable". A mini rock opera concludes the album in two parts: "Unsustainable" and "Isolated System". Connecting the dots between physics and social decay is fairly straightforward, especially when the band presents a video such as this one, for the single "Madness". In what looks to be a not too distant future, youth in gas masks jump subway turnstiles and confront riot police and vicious dogs. The isolation of the digital age, the threat of martial law... think these guys have some social commentary for us?
"Madness"
Muse has been mastering melodramatic prog-rock for a while now, and this album is no different. Fuse the moodiness of Radiohead with the glam rock production of Bowie and Queen, toss in a little physics and an attempt at a societal wake-up call and you'll get The 2nd Law. If you enjoy orchestration, spectacle and a hint of apocalyptic doom this one's for you.
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