ORIGIN OF SYMMETRY

Muse were never my "cup of tea" on listening several samples from radio stations and due to the popularity they enjoy in the media. I have always considered them another copy band of Radiohead and thus preferred to stay within reasonable distance from their style...

Origin of Symmetry is apparently the second full album by the band and features works from different artists and a rather simple but eye-catching album cover. Musically, what Muse deliver is basically alternative rock filtered through a number of influences, ranging from punk and indie to pop, heavy prog and alternative metal. Matthew Bellamy is the single composer, vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist of the band. His vocal style definitely resembles to Thom Yorke of Radiohead, but Bellamy has taken this a step forward and tried to develop his own characteristic sound. Personally, I feel the vocals are unfortunately the least impressive aspect of this album, sounding extremely pretentious at times and undermining the spirited instrumentation.

Bellamy's great contribution to the album is the smart use of keyboards (e.g. Bliss and Space Dementia) and the amount of catchy alternative riffs that blend nicely with Wolstenholme's solid and punchy bass performance. For an alternative rock three-piece, the result is surprisingly complex. The first half of the album is full of heavy riffs and powerful compositions like the opening track, Hypper Music and Plug in Baby, although all of them have the "required" commercial touch. The second half is generally mellower with some interesting continental-Europe sounds (Screenager) coupled with an entertaining cover of Feeling Good. The impressive closing riff of Micro Cuts reminds of Rage Against the Machine but the track is spoiled by the annoying "industrialised" vocals.

Origin of Symmetry should appeal to prog fans who have an ear for alternative rock. Although not a landmark album, this release exhibits excellent musicianship - to my surprise. The way of singing (and not the vocal capabilities themselves) puts me off from enjoying it to the full and prevents me from assigning a 4-star rating.