Muse Return To Form With Dramatic, Funky Single 'The Dark Side'

It's no mystery that Muse have been inspired by the 80s in their latest singles, and their newest certainly doesn't show any changes on that front. All the same, the new song is the Muse-iest one yet from their new record. Muse return to form with the dramatic, funky single 'The Dark Side' off their forthcoming record Simulation Theory.

'The Dark Side' is sonically like a darker version of 'Supermassive Black Hole' from Black Holes and Revelations, the funk prominent and the vocals smooth. Dark 80s synths are supported by thick, effected guitar riffs and a fun bassline. Matt Bellamy sings dreamily, almost like he does in Origin Of Symmetry track 'Space Dementia,' which the track's spacious, endless atmosphere is reminiscent of. The track is topped off with an electrifying guitar solo from Bellamy, as well. As much as this track is very much in the vein of this record's aesthetic, it is very clearly taking from many old Muse tracks to bring the best of the past to the present.

The music video for 'The Dark Side' picks up where the video of 'Something Human' left off, except without a real narrative. Instead, Bellamy drives through trippy landscapes with giant, evil skeletons following him and trying to swallow him. And everything is neon colored. The video has the same aesthetic as former music videos but lacks a real narrative, really just serving as a visual accompaniment to the track than anything else. Visually cool, but it doesn't really have much to do with the track.

Muse returns to form with their dramatic, funky new single 'The Dark Side.' While definitively from other singles from the record - 'Dig Down,' 'Thought Contagion,' and 'Something Human' - it still very much captures to sound and narrative of the record, bringing in the new sound and effortlessly combining it with their old influences, as well.

Simulation Theory is out on November 9. Be sure to follow us on social media so you don't miss our review of it!

Rating: 90 / 100

Music Video Rating: 75 / 100

Stream or buy 'The Dark Side' on Apple Music, and follow our 2018 Playlist on Spotify: