SHOWBIZ

When I started to listen to Muse in 2001, I could hardly imagine that one day they will be considered to appear on a site like PA. In my record collection, they are listed as "Actual Bands" (together with Placebo, Franz Ferdinand, Arcade Fire, Madrugada, The Editors, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah etc.).

Their style is difficult to describe. One thing is sure, Bellamy is a genious in song writing. He is able to deliver superb rock melodies. It seems so easy for him as others would wash their teeth. Muse produce a very dynamic rock. You need to experience them live to feel all the might of this trio. I was a bit sceptical before I went to see them at Forest National (one of our main concert hall in Belgium). Well, after a few notes, there was no question about how they would fill the space of this huge stage. They are so powerful and Bellamy so charismatic that the audience reacted as a single man. Very few times have I seen such a communion between a band and his fans (and I've seen a lot of concerts in my long musical life).

This album is a continuity of strong and catchy songs (at least during the first half of the album) , violent at times : "Sunburn", "Muscle Museum" and "Filip" : these first three songs are extremely dynamic. If you are looking for some energy, you'll get it here. The first break comes with "Falling Down" which is a mellow ballad to interrupt this orgy of vigourous sounds.

But don't worry, Muse comes back full power with "Cave"; another pop number, as sharp as ice. I am really found of Bellamy's voice, but some might find it irritating.

My preferred track is "Showbiz". Simply incredible. So bombastic and devastating. Sounds as a hurricane hitting the land : extremely violent. The acoustic "Unintended" is very much welcome to give us another break. These guys are really not previsible. "Uno" was already a single before joining this album. Another great rock song with both sides of Muse : delicate and rageous.

"Sober" is a heavy song. Maybe the weakest of this very good album so far. We'll be switched back again with a nice melody with the following number : "Escape". But it will turn out to be a very powerful number as well. Very strong bass line and great and emotional melody (but this is true for 80% of their songs). Since I like emotions a lot, I could only be pleased with such an album.

"Overdue" is a short and noisy track for most of it, but still Muse will manage to integrate some pleasant passages but still, it is my least favorite on this album. "Hate This & I'll Love You" will again alternate soft and noisy instants. A good piece to summarize this work.

I believe that this debut album is very promising. Compositions are strong, straight- forward, bombastic at times and rather original but not prog in my conception. Three stars.