When you look at the rock band Muse in today's light, they are known mostly for their hit singles and the never ending crowd of zombified yuppies at their concerts. But go back nearly twenty years and you'll find a more interesting band that in a sense is contrasting in creativity and sound.
Showbiz, the bands debut album from 1999 is not their best album but it was a very solid starting point. Back in the day the sound of the album was criticised for mimicking Radiohead, a criticism I never quite understood. Sure, Muse like their more mellow moments but there were no moments where I felt like suicide. The same can't be said for Radiohead.
The songs on Showbiz range from great to decent but there are none that I would call bad or mediocre. Falling Down for example is a song that could have been left out, much like one of the many ballads. But not one is worth skipping. You get the more memorable tunes like the opening Sunburn, Muscle Museum, Escape and Uno. They are a strange mix of styles ranging from the rock sound of the time, progressive rock and even a hint of art rock every now and again.
Some people might draw the line at the high pitch shrieking from the bands front man and guitar player Matt Bellamy. His singing style is quite queer and without a doubt an acquired taste. It is no surprise that with vocals like this the man received the same criticisms that early '70s Rush received, and still do to this day. You can debate about whether he is a good singer or not, but the fact of the matter is that his voice brings a lot of character to the bands music and without it, you'd still have a lot of good music but it would be less memorable.
Those looking for the trendy Muse of recent years might be sorely disappointed. This is a rock band doing what they do best. Taking great melody and give it a jolt with soaring vocals and a wall of distortion. It isn't their best work but it is a great starting point, one that was built on and improved upon with the follow up, Origin of Symmetry.
Published by Steven Lornie of Demonszone
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