In case you missed it, last week saw one of the stealthiest releases of new music that I’ve experienced in a while. Using his Instagram account, Chris Wolstenholme – best known as the beast of bass for Muse – introduced us to his new project, Chromes, unveiling double debut singles, “The Good Life” and “Imaginary World”.
As it seems there is almost no information whatsoever out there about the project there’s nothing else for it but to leap down the rabbit hole of speculation. Curiouser and curiouser! I have two lines of thought about the make up of Chromes – one being that, given he is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, it would be no stretch for the project to be entirely made up of Wolstenholme playing all the instruments, as well as delivering the vocals. He was a drummer long before he picked up the bass, and he’s been seen to play guitar and keys. He is a fixture on backing vocals alongside Matt Bellamy, having also performed lead vocals on two Muse tracks, “Save Me”, and “Liquid State”.
The other line of thought I have is that he’s teamed up with Muse drummer Dom Howard, and touring member Dan Lancaster. The drums are very reminiscent of Howard’s style, and Lancaster is also a very talented multi-instrumentalist, usually on guitar, keys, and percussion, as well as vocals. Either scenario is plausible, or it could be something else entirely. The mystery remains for the time being, I guess.
“The Good Life” starts with piano and Wolstenholme’s somewhat ethereal vocals overlaid. I’m hooked instantly, and keen to hear more. The lyrics are intriguing – it seems a mix of hopefulness and some bitterness, noting a reference to ‘friends that hold me down’ and ‘tell me I’m worthless and throw me away’. I felt simultaneously sad and optimistic listening to it, enjoying the ride as it slowly builds to encompass the other instruments and vocal harmonies. More, please.
Track two, “Imaginary World” is the one I keep going back to the most. More upbeat than “The Good Life” and packed to the hilt with Wolstenholme’s glorious bass lines, it’s very similar to “Liquid State” from The 2nd Law. I love the relationship between the bass and drums on this song, which is why I’m leaning towards it being Dom Howard on the kit given their long-standing musical partnership. Could be wrong, of course, certainly wouldn’t be the first time! There’s a really nice guitar solo around the four minute mark which pulls the two ends of the song together beautifully.
Anyone who knows me is well aware that I’ve been a Muse fan for decades, and especially a fan of Chris Wolstenholme. There’s something about his bass playing that rearranges my cells every time. It’s visceral. I’ve wanted to hear him on vocals more often, too, so this project feels like Christmas to me. If you’re a Muse fan, particularly from around The 2nd Law era, I think you’ll really love this creative output. Will there be more? Who is behind it? I have so many questions.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
“The Good Life” and “Imaginary World” are out now. You can give Chromes a follow via Instagram
