SHOWBIZ

I do not know much of the material of Muse and Radiohead, but I can not help but point out how ridiculous are the comparisons between the two bands.

Especially in the debut of Muse, Showbiz, which was hard (and quickly) criticized for sounding similar to Radiohead. But time proved wise and proved that such criticisms were unfounded. Well, this album may not show the Muse who has been acclaimed as one of the greats of rock today (and as largely responsible for bringing the prog to the masses), but it is certainly a strong debut, bold and eclectic.

That said, there isn't plenty of "progressive" here, but there is a prominence of genres, making it clear why this trio is certainly one of the bands most difficult to classify in terms of sub-genres of rock - and this brings me to the Queen, with which he has been fairly compared (and this is a comparison founded, in my view). The highlights here certainly go to Matt Bellamy, who besides being the main songwriter of the band is still an excellent guitarist, featuring a variety of styles (soil nervous opening Sunburn, through reggae guitar Muscle Museum, the Western sounds in Uno or Gilmour-esque guitarin Hate This and I'll 'love you show how eclectic sound he knows). But as a singer he is kind of an acquired taste for me - his voice reminds me a lot Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the lead singer of The Mars Volta, which is also a case of acquired taste . But commendable is her vocal range, shown especially in the title track, where he abuses the falsetto to reach high notes, an impressive demonstration. The other two members are also quite talented: drums of Dominic Howard is furious and accessible, diversified, and tones of Chris Wolstenholme's bass are excellent, as seen in the track Fillip, for example.

Despite not being a progressive album, this debut Muse pleased me a lot and now gives us an idea of boldness that make this trio acclaimed. 4 stars.

Share this MUSE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to voliveira
• Report this review (#1011114)
• Buy MUSE music online with PA partners
• Show all MUSE MP3/Stream
• Go to MUSE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Showbiz page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MUSE related discussions