Artist: Muse
Album: Absolution
Label: Warner Brothers
Tracks: 14
Length: 52:10
Reviewed by: Conrad the Librarian, Editor in Cheese of Decapolis

Finally, a record I actually like.  We get tons of records and I have gotten so used to hearing ‘yet another record’.  But this is one that totally stands out to me.

Let’s start off with the vocals because they are the most distinct part of the band.  The vocals are in the same style as Jeff Buckley, and the dude from Ours.  Rich, strong, gliding vocals that often soar into falsetto.  But what makes these guys different than other bands that sing like this is that they like to rock.  So it’s rock track after rock track with the occasional break.  The record actually gets pretty heavy in a couple of places.  The music is right up my alley – minor key, guitar driven, progressive rock. 

There is one aspect I always listen for that isn’t present, but is totally okay.  It isn’t super catchy.  But that’s because the vocals are used more like an instrument rather than reciting lyrics.  If there is one thing I would change about this record is that sometimes he goes to falsetto when he should just belt it out. 

The guitar work is full on rock, with some elements you don’t hear too much in a band of this genre.  There are actually a couple of metal techniques (such as palm muted alternate picking) without sounding metal.  He’s good, but isn’t showy.  The guitars are creative and very well placed. 

There also is enough non-guitar stuff to keep me interested.  This guy is also a crazy classical pianist and he shows it off a couple times.  Sonically there is quite a bit going on as well. 

But what about what usually kills most records for me, poor arranging?  Not on this record.  Here are songs where arrangements make sense and where the songs aren’t cut short just so it can be single-length.  About half the songs are over four and a half minutes long.  That’s just right up my alley.  I hate short songs. 

The production is absolutely perfect for this band.  It’s clean without being overproduced.  The guitars are loud, the vocals don’t jump out and the mastering is big and boomy. 

This is a record I has held up over multiple listens.  It started off great and continues to stay strong through multiple listens.  This is the closest thing to a great record I’ve heard in a couple of years.