HULLABALOO: LIVE AT LE ZENITH-PARIS

By now you must have known me that I was around when the first wave of progressive music gave its birth in 1969 when King Crimson released its debut album "In The Court of The Crimson King" and I was a die hard fan of Yes, and later Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull - basically all of legendary prog bands that started their debut in late 60s or early 70s. And now, I am sitting in front of TV screen watching the performance of three gentlemen that formed MUSE: Matthew Bellamy (vocals, guitars), Dominic Howard (drums), Chris Wolstenholme (bass guitar). What is my first impression about this recorded live performance? Excellent! You might be wondering how come an old school guy like me can tolerate and, in fact enjoy!, this kind of modern music where the style is far different with the legendary prog bands? Am not quite sure about this - you have to tell me! How prog I am? Does it really matter? Well, some people may pose a question such like this. But, as you know that my basic philosophy has always been simple about music: "Music is Emotion". And, this DVD has successfully pumped up my adrenalin to run faster - so I'd better admit it right in advance - alerting you that I'm quite open with any development of music style.

The DVD starts off with "What's He Building" which basically an introduction about who the kind of audience were (basically the youths) and hwo the crowd was entering the gate. At the main stage there was narratives plus some shot of lights and the crowd yells. And .. "Boom!" finally the three gentlemen appeared with a simple guitar riffs by Matt Bellamy followed aggressively by drums and bass guitar in uplifting mood music of "Deadstar". What a great lively opening! I remember watching the DVD of Rush "Grace Under Pressure" live where it also started with great riffs of The Spirit of Radio. Of course, this is not Rush but again the energy and the dynamics of the show that Muse was demonstrating on stage was really entertaining. Especially when the vocal of Matt entered the music with his dragging vocal line. It's true, I feel like watching a Rush concert with a totally different kind of music. The music of Muse is much modern in sound than Rush. When Matt provides his riffs at approx minute 5:19 I really enjoy it very much before at the end the track finishes. Right after the first track, Matt welcome the audience in French language.

The next track "Microcuts" starts with a nice guitar fills in repetitive mode followed with dragging vocal line of Matt in the vein of Radiohead. This track involves vocal screaming which sounds really cool to my ears and it enhances my watching pleasure. Yeah .. it's a pleasurable DVD to watch, really! I can see clearly the players of the band are all young gentlemen. Dominic is a very dynamic drummer while Matt is an attractive stage act performer combined with Chris satge act altogether make this live concert is truly enjoyable. "Citizen Erased" followed the dynamics of previous two tracks.

"Sunburn" starts beautifully with electric guitar fills followed by drum beats and eerie vocal style of Matt (he touches the microphone with his lips). The song moves in great ambience into high register notes with nice time signature. The band's debut "Showbiz" opens with another (similar) electric guitar fills followed nicely with vocal line. I can sense a similar style of Radiohead music. The music is mellow yet uplifting in mood especially when Matt gives his guitar riffs and Dominic provides jaw dropping drum work. It's so entertaining for me.

"Megalomania" is probably Muse attempt to psychedelia plus some favors of symphonic music because Matt this time sits behind the organ instrument while performs some singing. It's simple yet entertaining opening. It moves beautifully with dragging vocal lines and mellow style until it moves in crescendo with drum beats into higher tone through high register notes singing. This is a catchy song, I believe, for most people.

The intro of "Uno" is an exploration of guitar sounds and effects by Matt followed by great guitar solo in distorted fashion, followed with sudden break that lets vocal entrance in changed style than previous opening. The crowd scream and demonstrated their hysteria about the show. Matt shows great stage act with his electric guitar.

It seems like after "Uno" the band took a short break before they continued with "Screenager" which demonstrated Matt's skills in classical influenced keyboard work. The song moves in mellow style. The sound of keyboard dominated the song. Matt performed his interlude keyboard work wonderfully.

Overall, I consider this is an excellent rock performance by Muse and I am not saying it that this is a prog concert. To my conservative ears, this is a modern rock music that fits my ears and watching this DVD is a pleasure for me. Picture and sound qualities are excellent as well. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild -GW