Muse- Origin of Symmetry

Like many, I found out about Muse in 2003 after hearing “Time is Running Out” on the radio. Unlike most however, I developed an extreme obsession with the band thereafter. It’s quite shocking that a band as good as Muse found their way onto the radio. However that moment started a love affair that continues to this very day. For a couple of months I was completely enamored with Absolution. There was just something about this band that I was completely in love with. After wearing Absolution into the ground from dozens of listens, I decided to search deeper into Muse’s catalogue. While I wore out Absolution in around 2 months, I’m working on 4 years of constant listening of Origin of Symmetry. I’m still nowhere near wearing out this masterpiece.

While Absolution was built on “Time is Running Out,” “Hysteria,” and “Stockholm Syndrome,” Origin of Symmetry represents the complete package. Absolution simply lacks the sincere, billowing nature of Origin of Symmetry. The beauty of Origin of Symmetry lies primarily with the soft-hard dynamic seen throughout the album. The soft intros build slowly but steadily into bombastic, metallic riffs countered by Matthew Bellamy’s passionate, versatile (and better than Thom Yorke) vocals. Songs like “Bliss” and “New Born” blossom from spacey lullabies into all out raucousness. Other mid tempo rockers like “Screenager” are satisfied with meandering, much like the people that the song is named after. Still, others like “Hyper Music” and “Plug In Baby” burst right out of the gate into full on chaos.

In a diverse album like Origin of Symmetry there are five constants. First are Matt Bellamy’s incredible vocals. His entrancing, heartfelt voice single handedly takes several songs into greatness (primary example- “Hyper Music”). Second is the driving, ubiquitous bass guitar which takes the lead on almost every song (primary example- “Bliss”). Third is the virtuosic piano work that shows a strong, classical background (primary example- “Space Dementia”). Even my mom (a classically trained pianist who doesn’t like rock) was awed by Matt’s piano riffs. Fourth is the epic, spacey nature of the music which is what got me hooked on Muse initially (primary example- “Citizen Erased”). Lastly, is the consistency and quality of songwriting on each of the songs. Each song has its own immediate message, character and contribution to the record.

1. New Born- 8.2

2. Bliss- 8.6

3. Space Dementia- 6.6

4. Hyper Music- 8.8

5. Plug In Baby- 8.4

6. Citizen Erased- 8.7

7. Micro Cuts- 7.0

8. Screenager- 6.7

9. Dark Shines- 7.0

10. Feeling Good- 7.4

11. Megalomania- 7.1

Overall Score: 9.3- It’s how progressive rock should sound