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Muse's 'The WOW! Signal': A return to bombastic rock

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • British rock band Muse releases their 10th album, 'The WOW! Signal,' described as a return to their signature bombastic rock sound.
  • The album explores themes of love, modern technology's dangers, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, influenced by frontman Matthew Bellamy's personal experiences.
  • Muse is currently touring the US, with limited European dates announced for November and December, including Amsterdam and Paris, but no Belgian cities.

For fans of grand, guitar-driven rock, Muse's 10th album, 'The WOW! Signal,' offers a familiar yet powerful listening experience. The British band, known for its bombastic sound since its 1999 debut, returns to its core strengths with soaring melodies, intricate guitar solos, and frontman Matthew Bellamy's distinctive high-pitched vocals.

'The WOW! Signal' feels like coming home for lovers of bombast in a rock jacket.

— VRT NWSDescription of the album's sound and appeal to fans.

The album delves into various facets of love, with Bellamy drawing inspiration from personal experiences, including a divorce, which he metaphorically likens to space debris. This theme intertwines with explorations of the perils of modern technology and the intriguing possibility of alien life. Tracks like the epic opener 'The dark forest' evoke the band's earlier, similarly grand compositions, while 'Cryogen' echoes the iconic riff from 'Plug in baby.' The single 'Be with you' offers a more innovative sound, incorporating elements reminiscent of Queen.

Muse is currently on a US tour, with European dates scheduled for November and December in cities such as Amsterdam and Paris. Notably, no Belgian cities are on the current itinerary, leaving fans to speculate about potential future performances, perhaps at a festival like Rock Werchter, where the band has a long history.

Great, sweeping melodies and guitar solos, combined with vocal lines and high notes for which frontman Matthew Bellamy gives his all: that is the trademark of Muse.

— VRT NWSHighlighting the signature elements of Muse's music present on the new album.

'The WOW! Signal' was released on June 26 and is available for purchase and streaming.

On 'The WOW! Signal,' the British trio finds its best form in years.

— VRT NWSAssessing the band's performance on their latest release.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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