REVIEW: Muse, Showbiz (Maverick)
- Scott Slonaker
Listen precisely twenty-one seconds into Muse's debut full-length to figure out where the British trio's, er, muse comes from; singer Matthew Bellamy opens his mouth, and bang. He channels Radiohead's Thom Yorke so completely it's scary. That first track, "Sunburn" sounds like an outtake from The Bends, to the point where anyone who isn't a Radiohead fanatic would be quite easily fooled. And only part of this is the presence of Bends producer John Leckie.
Normally I hate judging an act based on those who came before it; however, in this case, the similarity is so complete it is unavoidable. This young trio writes the same sort of jagged, seether-then-ether rock songs as everyone's favorite (to steal a Spin term) COR ("critic-oriented rock") band. The bio acknowledges this, too. That aside, Showbiz is remarkably advanced for a debut album; no patchwork Pablo Honey happenings here.
Even with the ominous shadow of Thom & Co. hanging overhead, high points are scattered throughout Showbiz. The striking first single, "Muscle Museum", slithers along on swaying bass and careening organ. "Falling Down" is a gorgeous Jeff Buckley-esque torcher. The driving "Fillip" is surely a highlight of the band's live act. Given free reign with such a young band, Leckie really gets a chance to shine. Tracks like the piano-and-guitar effect-drenched "Cave" makes Muse sound like they've been making records for a decade. Unfortunately, they haven't been writing lyrics as long, and Bellamy's inconsolable shrieking can wear thin without the deft imagery that Radiohead is known for.
Still, the energy level is quite impressive, and can only bode well for a group whose members average 20 years of age. Keep an eye on Muse.
