These graphics comprise a visual representation and mapping of the characteristic tonal and rhythmic patterns throughout the seven studio albums by Muse. For larger images: http://www.kennysperling.com/Mapping-Muse
The impetus for the creation of these diagrams was my severe disappointment with the recent release of Drones (as well as the somewhat unimpressive showing in The 2nd Law). I intuitively knew that the let-down I was feeling was due to the absence of the "arpeggios" and other musical patterns which were incredibly common throughout Origin of Symmetry, Absolution, and Black Holes and Revelations. However I wanted to know if I was actually correct in thinking that. To do so meant I needed to map out the patterns present in all of Muse's studio albums.
The mappings present each song in it's entirety each scaled to equal lengths. The songs themselves are made up of series of blocks which represent the typical rhythms (horizontally) and the tonal characteristics of those rhythms (vertically). Generally only patterns which are repeated multiple times are depicted. Vocals and drums are ignored and usually only a lead (guitar, piano, etc.) and a bass are mapped when they occur. A third or fourth instrument is occasionally shown only if it contributes a distinct additional pattern.
The impetus for the creation of these diagrams was my severe disappointment with the recent release of Drones (as well as the somewhat unimpressive showing in The 2nd Law). I intuitively knew that the let-down I was feeling was due to the absence of the "arpeggios" and other musical patterns which were incredibly common throughout Origin of Symmetry, Absolution, and Black Holes and Revelations. However I wanted to know if I was actually correct in thinking that. To do so meant I needed to map out the patterns present in all of Muse's studio albums.
The mappings present each song in it's entirety each scaled to equal lengths. The songs themselves are made up of series of blocks which represent the typical rhythms (horizontally) and the tonal characteristics of those rhythms (vertically). Generally only patterns which are repeated multiple times are depicted. Vocals and drums are ignored and usually only a lead (guitar, piano, etc.) and a bass are mapped when they occur. A third or fourth instrument is occasionally shown only if it contributes a distinct additional pattern.
The best way to understand the diagrams is to play the songs on your computer and place the player window (itunes, spotify, etc.) just above or below the graphic. Resize the window so that the song progress bar matches the length of the graphic and you can scrub to different points in the songs and see how they're represented. Static images are at http://www.kennysperling.com/Mapping-Muse
