Muse is known for incorporating a variety of musical influences into their music, including
elements of classical and romantic music, science fiction, and experimental guitar playing.
These diverse influences create a unique and captivating sound that sets Muse apart from
other artists. In this essay, we'll examine how these influences can be seen in two of their
songs, "Resistance" and "Uprising".
Muse's music often incorporates elements of classical and romantic music, which can be
seen in their use of cadences, structure, and harmony. In the song "Resistance", these
elements are evident through the use of cadences, which add stability and structure to the
song. Cadences are musical phrases that signal the end of a musical section and provide a
sense of resolution. The use of cadences in "Resistance" creates a classical feel to the song
and gives it a sense of balance and stability.
Similarly, "Uprising" also incorporates classical music elements, with its use of regular and
balanced 8 bar phrases. The 8 bar phrases add structure to the song and help it to feel
cohesive. The use of regular and balanced phrasing is a hallmark of classical music and
helps to create a sense of stability in the song.
In both "Resistance" and "Uprising", the influence of science fiction can be seen in the lyrics,
visual images, and synthesised sounds. The lyrics of both songs often refer to rebellion and
mind control, which are common themes in science fiction. The visual images in the official
videos also depict futuristic looking worlds, further emphasising the science fiction elements
in the music.
Additionally, the use of synthesised sounds in both songs adds to the science fiction feel.
Synthesised sounds are often used in science fiction to create a futuristic and otherworldly
atmosphere. The use of synthesised sounds in "Resistance" and "Uprising" creates a sense
of alienation and adds to the science fiction elements of the music.
Finally, the influence of experimental guitar playing can be seen in "Uprising" through its
throbbing bass line throughout the song and its use of an arpeggiator. The bass line is
central to the song and adds to its intensity, creating a sense of urgency. The use of an
arpeggiator also adds to the experimental feel of the song, with its repetitive, mechanical
sound.
The bass riff in the bridge section of "Uprising" also showcases the experimental guitar
playing influence, which was inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix. The riff is fast and intense,
creating a sense of excitement and energy in the song. The experimental guitar playing
elements in "Uprising" add to the overall intensity of the song and help to create a unique
and captivating sound.
In conclusion, Muse's music is heavily influenced by classical and romantic music, science
fiction, and experimental guitar playing. These diverse influences create a unique and
captivating sound that sets Muse apart from other artists. The use of classical music
elements, such as cadences and regular phrasing, creates a sense of stability and balance
in the music. The influence of science fiction is seen in the lyrics, visual images, and
synthesised sounds. Finally, the experimental guitar playing elements, inspired by artists like
Jimi Hendrix, add to the overall intensity and excitement of the music.