SHOWBIZ

Strictly speaking this is not prog but an accomplished collection of pop and rock songs.For me Matt Bellamy is one of the most talented people around being both able to play inventive lead guitar adding rich textures as well as bombastic sounds.He's not bad on the keyboard either! Although this may be the band's debut album its really about Matt.The other two in the band lend able support just like Greg and Carl did for Keith on ELP's debut album all those years ago.You knew then that ELP was about the incredible talent of Keith Emerson and with Muse you know this about Matthew Bellamy.

As a debut album this is as good as you will hear.Not really any weak songs.Don't make the mistake of assuming this is the runt in the litter of Muse albums.Its on a par with everything except the powerfully dark Absolution.The tracks Filip and Falling Down show Muse's abilty to be both bombastic and delicate.A rare thing in music and something bands usually have to learn over many years and many albums.Muse nail it first time off.I doff my hat to the phenomenon that is ...Muse.