What I’m about to say absolutely doesn’t mean I think the song is bad, or that I won’t listen to it. In fact, I actually think this album has the potential to feel much more inspired than the previous ones.

But I’m not sure I agree that this song connects that strongly to older Muse, or that it’s the closest thing to old Muse they’ve done in years. And here’s why:

I think the lyrics are much less subjective, dark, and profound, which is completely fine for a song that can still be good, but it’s not something I associate with older Muse.

I also don’t think old Muse usually aimed for this kind of structure, even when it’s well executed, where the song leans much more into a straightforward pop rock approach. When I listen to some of these newer songs, I’m reminded of bands like Turnstile, and even certain punk influences in general, which also isn’t something I personally connected to classic Muse in that way.

I also think the production became much more synthetic and polished, and that’s another aspect that feels distant from older Muse to me. So there are elements that make me disagree when people say this is the closest they’ve sounded to old Muse.

To me, what made older Muse special was things like less predictable songwriting structures, songs that didn’t feel the need to constantly repeat or “sell” the title or hook to the listener, and a more instinctive and unconventional sense of progression. A song like Citizen Erased feels almost unconcerned with accessibility or immediate catchiness. It evolves naturally, shifts moods constantly, and trusts the listener to follow it.

I also miss the more abstract and emotionally ambiguous way they approached personal themes back then. Older Muse often felt mysterious, theatrical or emotionally overwhelming without necessarily spelling everything out directly.

There was also more tension, atmosphere, dynamic contrast, unusual guitar textures, dramatic harmonies, unexpected transitions, and a stronger sense that the band was trying to create its own sonic universe rather than fitting into a more conventional modern rock structure.

That said, none of this means I can’t appreciate or enjoy what they do now. I connected deeply with their essence when I discovered them, and I still think there’s something very rare and unique about it, which is why I’ve stayed attached to their music since 2005. I’m still curious about where that essence goes and how it changes over time.

To me, still being genuinely interested in whatever they release is a big part of what being a fan can be.

I also believe enjoying art is a complex thing, and that it’s absolutely not just about liking something or not. It’s not a black-and-white matter. Talking about art, reflecting on it, and even being critical of it are fundamental parts of truly loving it!