Muse are a band who have changed their style slightly over the last years. From being a riff heavy, effects driven, high tempo alternative band they have slowed down the overal pace and added to the generic bass, drums and guitar. Resistance is good example of the new direction Muse have taken. All the old elements are there and in Unnatural Selection especially you are still treated a fast paced guitar riff which shares a lot of similarities to Origin of Symmetry’s New Born. The album kicks off with the first single from the album, Uprising. The mix of guitar and voice shouting ‘come on’ during this track is definatly the highlight. The rest is what you would expect from Muse, as is the title track, Resistance. What stands out for me on this track is the backing vocals from Chris and Dom. Although at first they may sound a bit cheesy, I think they really work with Matt’s lead vocals and it also seems like the band are communicating with each other through song. You are treated to Matt Bellamy’s piano skills on United States of Urasia and I Belong to You, which the more and more I listen to is quickly becoming my favourite track from the album. Bellamy also showcases more of his musical skills in the beautiful Undesclosed Desires in which he composed the string section but he does not play neither guitar or piano on this track.

The album ends with the three part track, Exogenesis Symphony. I will admit I am not too fond of these three tracks. They certainly wont get much love if they came up on your ipod on shuffle. The three parts do work on their own but you can’t really get the full potential out of them unless they are all played in sync. The tracks themselves are just examples of the way Muse like to branch off from the traditional Guitar, Bass and Drums combo. Although this is nice in small doses throughout the album I think these tracks do let it down a bit.

Verdict: The first 7 tracks are all great Muse tracks in their own way but Exogenesis Symphony is just not for me. The band, Matt Bellamy in particular showcase their many musical talents and it wont disappoint any Muse fan. If you don’t like the album at first, give it a few more listens. It grew on me very quickly and now I find it hard to stop listening.