Music: Muse: The 2nd Law

It has to be said that after six albums and enormous success, Muse have done well to maintain their erratic and sometimes unpredictable style. Whilst others may have been reigned in by producers, the three friends from Teignmouth, Devon have continued to make music that is confusing, exciting and original all at the same time.

The comparison between Muse and Queen is certainly not a new one, yet it is still relevant for this sixth album. Tracks such as Explorers and Madness have all the components of the typical Queen classics, yet with more 'electric' bass lines. This mix between erratic pop melodies, dub step undertones, and apocalyptic lyrics sometimes feels like more of an assault on than a treat for the ears. Nevertheless, for the hardcore Muse fans, they would surely be expecting nothing less.

Queen is not the only influence on this album, however. Certain tracks such as Panic Station have undertones of Scissor Sisters-style pop whilst the eerie Isolated System reminds the listener more of Radiohead's OK Computer days.

Although this odd mix of genres doesn't always work, there are enough good tracks on the album to make it an overall hit. There are bound to be certain songs that some will have to skip over, but after listening to the album as a whole - most listeners will be left in a strange state of admiration for what Muse have tried to accomplish here.