Q magazine published a preview of Simulation Theory on 23 October, in which they stated that "opener "Algorithm" sounds like it could be from Daft Punk's Tron: Legacy soundtrack, a fusion of dramatic strings and industrial electro."
Lead singer Bellamy said regarding "Algorithm" that "it’s about an intelligence, be it human or artificial, that realises that it lives in a simulated reality, and it is controlled by its creator.
[2] In another interview, Bellamy said that "Algorithm" and "The Dark Side" deal with the struggle to get away from a dystopian world and anxieties about technology.
[3] Bellamy has stated that "Algorithm" is his favourite track from Simulation Theory "because it's an interesting combination of retro-synth and futuristic stuff".
A short preview of the "Algorithm" music video was first shown by Bellamy on his smartphone during an interview on Virgin Radio in Milan two days prior to the release.