Fit for slo-mo

“Survival,” the rock anthem single from Muse’s upcoming album “The 2nd Law,” has been chosen as the official song of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and rightfully so. The track opens soft and angelic, a narrative arc borrowed from the likes of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and quite a few Electric Light Orchestra masterpieces.

Innocent piano and heart-tugging strings recall the slow-mo and straining muscles of “Chariots of Fire.”

Frontman Matt Bellamy probably reaches the highest note of his entire career as he declares, “Yes, I’m gonna WIIIIINNN.” Three parts guitar solo and throbbing bass and one part vengeful lyrics, it’s not your typical Muse. It’s not exactly an exciting taste of what’s to come, either.

But it’s certainly a blood-pumping, motivating anthem, especially if paired with glorified montages of dripping sweat and hard-earned finish lines.

By Rachael Stuart