The 2nd Law – Muse

Of all the rock bands that are currently making records, Muse is one of the most interesting due to their “Freddie Mercury meets Beethoven meets Def Leppard” sound. With elements of classical music along with rock-n-roll and electronica, The 2nd Law is very similar to Muse’s previous albums, and even has a slightly heavier edge. If 2009’s The Resistance was inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, The 2nd Law is the slightly avant-garde sequel that many would never dare to write. The opening track “Supremacy” is a masterpiece on its own, with grinding guitars and somewhat operatic vocals that you can’t get out of your head. “Panic Station” is a groove à la Michael Jackson that’s just as danceable as the band’s hit “Supermassive Black Hole.” “Survival” is musical mayhem at its finest, complete with a pounding beat, choral overtones and operatic runs. In contrast, “Madness” is relatively simple, and is a solid alt-rock jam that moves and bends. The 2nd Law is another fabulous album from a music group that will never release a boring record.

Tracks to Download: “Panic Station” “Survival”
Overall Grade: A
Babel – Mumford and Sons

Mumford & Sons has evolved from the Indie band that no one knew about to the Indie band that everyone knows about. Although this kind of mainstream success could have completely altered the appeal of Mumford & Sons, Babel is the same formula that worked for their first record, but with a slightly larger sound. Like Florence + the Machine, whose second album Ceremonials presented a louder, cathedral-like sound, Mumford & Sons have followed suit and upped the ante. Chart-toppers from their first album, such as “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave,” are repeated in bulk on this album, such as “Holland Road” and the first single “I Will Wait.” “Babel” and “Broken Crown” are rustic, mysterious, and rumbling. However, the soothing ballads that characterized 2010’s Sigh No More are still present in “Ghosts that We Knew” and “Reminder.” Mumford & Sons has once again mastered the art of the Indie record with Babel, and they’ve also succeeded in creating the perfect soundtrack to a long, contemplative, autumn walk.

Tracks to Download: “Babel” “Broken Crown”
Overall Grade: A