SHOWBIZ

Muse are nowadays in the middle of the mainstream, selling millions of albums and being exhaustly examined when they release each new work by fanatics and critics. It's hard not to notice their leader's, Matt Bellamy, grandiloquent style, so fiery and glam at the same time. Their sound is modern, even futurist, alternative, but there are some progressive flavours here and there, even psychedelic touches.

Their last albums are not my cup of tea, but this one, their debut album, I find it quite enjoyable, along with The Origin Of Simmetry and even Absolution. Showbiz sounds nowadays as fresh and powerful as the first day. Production here is great, clear and skillful arrangements, where guitar, piano and voice are the highlights and outshine the also quite accomplished rhythm section.

Powerful alternative rock in Fillip, Cave, Muscle Museum or Overdue and mellow wonderful atmospheres in Falling Down or Unintended. Matt is an excellent musician and he really shines writing pieces on the piano like Sunburn. This guy is haunting, so brutal performing riffs or powerful chords and so delicate and romantic when it comes to dramatic softer songs. The dramatic feature of his voice is shown all around, just listen to Surburn or Showbiz.

Even the mighty Dream Theater has put their eyes on this band, and some songs of the american combo has lots to do with the Muse sound (take a glimpse at Prophets Of War). This album has my favourite song from the band, Muscle Museum. 3 stars for this, as it is a great album but there is not too much prog in it.