Soon to be Supermassive
Muse, one of the highlights of British rock music, are back. 'Supermassive Black Hole' is the first single off their new album 'Black Holes and Revelations', set for release on July 3rd.
Whilst previous single releases have focused greatly on the kind of bombastic rock that the band are known for, 'Supermassive Black Hole' instead focuses on the songwriting and technical abilities of the band. Matt Bellamy has said the song has taken influence from several Belgium bands and also various dance acts heard whilst the band were out clubbing in New York. As a result, this is a single that is likely to divide their fanbase since it's a sound that's very different to anything previously heard on a Muse album. However, if you like the confident swagger of B-Side "The Groove" you are certain to enjoy this albeit mellower continuation.
'Supermassive Black Hole' pairs Bellamy's trademark high pitched voice with funky riff-work and the result is something that on first listen might grate a Muse fan's ears... but after awhile becomes strangely addictive. Just like the best things in life, you feel a twinge of guilt for enjoying something like this so much.
As for the rest of the album, it looks as though 'Supermassive Black Hole' is just the start of this shift in genre for Muse since other songs previously played live swing from epic space adventures to slushy ballads with a hint of Japan lurking about their childlike keyboard work.
Whilst it certainly isn't the sound people would have expected Muse to travel in, they're a band who have never followed the expectations set upon them and this is not going to change anytime soon.