... back to Muse!
Origin Of Symmetry is their second album, and has received mostly good reviews in the press (let's just ignore the Guardian reviewer who only gave the album 1 star). If you've seen them play live over the last year or so, then many of these songs will be familiar, especially ... Read review
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music andOrigin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about ...
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Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music andOrigin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music and Origin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music and Origin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music andOrigin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music and Origin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 7 to 12 days...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music and Origin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music andOrigin of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about this record is the way it twists every one of these cardinal musical sins into spectacularly silly and starkly individual strengths. Where their debut albumShowbizwas rightly dismissed as little more than Radiohead-lite, here Muse sound defiantly like their own band. On "New Born", they're torn somewhere between the purity of front man Matt Bellamy's angelic vocal tones and the corruption of a huge, dirty, distorted bass riff that electrifies the sound into crackling life. On the fraught, operatic "Bliss", they sound like an unholy--but very welcome--cross between synth-heavy Krautrock legends Tangerine Dream and youthful choirboy angst-peddlers JJ72; and even a wonderfully dippy take on the Nina Simone-popularised jazz standard "Feeling Good" is carried off with the requisite deadpan countenance. Bellamy's impassioned voice, in particular, is on spectacular form, soaring skywards until it cracks into a beautiful falsetto reminiscent of Jeff Buckley's greatest vocal moments. So gloriously overblown, it deserves to be huge--Origin Of Symmetryis a fascinating, flamboyant and satisfyingly individual album.--Louis Pattison
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the ... more
landscape of modern music andOrigin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about this record is the way it twists every one of these cardinal musical sins into spectacularly silly and starkly individual strengths. Where their debut albumShowbizwas rightly dismissed as little more than Radiohead-lite, here Muse sound defiantly like their own band: on "New Born", they're torn somewhere between the purity of front man Matt Bellamy's angelic vocal tones and the corruption of a huge, dirty, distorted bass riff that electrifies the sound into crackling life; on the fraught, operatic "Bliss", they sound like an unholy--but very welcome--cross between synth-heavy Krautrock legends Tangerine Dream and youthful choirboy angst-peddlers JJ72; and even a wonderfully dippy take on the Nina Simone-popularised jazz standard "Feeling Good" is carried off with the requisite deadpan countenance. Bellamy's impassioned voice, in particular, is on spectacular form, soaring skywards until it cracks into a beautiful falsetto reminiscent of Jeff Buckley's greatest vocal moments. So gloriously overblown, it deserves to be huge--Origin Of Symmetryis a fascinating, flamboyant and satisfyingly individual album.--Louis Pattison
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: All tracks are great, Muse TV Disadvantages: some might say that Muse have gone too far with this album, that it's too grand and pretentious
...to Muse!
Origin Of Symmetry is their second album, and has received mostly good reviews in the press (let's just ignore the Guardian reviewer who only gave the album 1 star). If you've seen them play live over the last year or so, then many of these songs will be familiar, especially Plug In Baby, which they seem to have been playing forever. But having heard so many songs live, it was interesting to see what the studio versions were ... ...which was one of the things Muse wanted for this album.
So here's a track by track review...
New Born: The second single from the second album, this starts off with mysterious-sounding keyboards, and then builds to become a loud, guitar-based song. For ages it was called 'New One', just because they hadn't thought of a title for it. And then, according to Matt: "our tour managers wife had a baby whilst were on tour ... more
Muse have had a lot of pressure put on them from the music press. They've constantly been compared to bands like Radiohead, which obviously is no bad thing, as Radiohead seem to be doing quite well for themselves thank you very much. Yes, there are some similarities. Muse's debut album, Showbiz, sounded quite like early Radiohead (Bends-era). Matt Bellamy's voice is fairly similar to Thom Yorke's (although it is a lot more reliable live, and more accurate in tuning). But then compare where the two bands are going with their new material, and they really couldn't be more different. Radiohead are now going through an experimental, and dare I say it, pretentious stage. Their last two albums are very good, but nowhere near the quality of The Bends. This is turning into a Radiohead review.... back to Muse!
Origin Of Symmetry is their second album, and has received mostly good reviews in the press (let's just ignore the Guardian reviewer who only gave the album 1 star). If you've seen them play live over the last year or so, then many of these songs will be familiar, especially Plug In Baby, which they seem to have been playing forever. But having heard so many songs live, it was interesting to see what the studio versions were like - whether or not they'd capture the live sound, which was one of the things Muse wanted for this album.
So here's a track by track review...
New Born: The second single from the second album, this starts off with mysterious-sounding keyboards, and then builds to become a loud, guitar-based song. For ages it was called 'New One', just because they hadn't thought of a title for it. And then, according to Matt: "our tour managers wife had a baby whilst were on tour and when he would print out our set lists he got bored of typing 'new one' all the time and put in baby related song names". And the title was.. erm.. born.
Bliss: Has 80s sounding keyboard arpeggios running throughout the song. And not even Matt B can play the piano that well - they are programmed apparently. Used to be called Spectrum, because it sounded like the noises you get on Spectrum games.
Space Dementia: Matt demonstrates his much-improved piano skills (if you want proof that he's a fantastic player, go and look for the B-side Piano Thing - it really is absolutely amazing). A favourite track from the album; the ending is so majestic and grand. And as Dom (the drummer) says, there are no guitars, just piano, but it still sounds really heavy.
Hyper Music: I like this song, but I think it is probably one of my least favourite tracks on the album. It's loud and guitary, and I can't think of much else to say about it!
Plug In Baby: The first single to be released from the album, and a personal favourite song from the album. In fact, I think I'd even say that it's my favourite Muse song so far. It's got a great guitar riff, and a catchy chorus, both of which I can't stop singing for ages after I've listened to this song. I have to say that I was slightly disappointed when I first heard the studio version. Live, it is a lot more exciting, faster, and his voice sounds amazing. Still the best track on the album.
Citizen Erased: 7-minutes-something long, this is like a mini symphony. It's a great song, I like the way the mood seems to change, from the loud start, to the beautiful, quiet ending.
Micro Cuts: This song sounds like it should be part of an opera, especially with Matt's falsetto singing. Great loud ending.
Screenager: This is really the only quiet song on the album, I suppose it's OoS's version of Unintended. Good guitar intro, this song is very atmospheric, and gives Matt a chance to show off the range of his voice. Has an acoustic feel to it, with Matt's interest in Spanish guitar being demonstrated.
Darkshines: Is another of those songs that goes from loud to quiet to loud, the quiet bit being a nice little guitar solo. I much prefer the live version; they seem to have lost that amazing sound they have at gigs in the recording of this track.
Feeling Good: This is a cover of a great song, although I'm still wondering why they chose to put this on the album. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but covers are usually best as B-sides I think. In my opinion anyway. But it suits Matt's voice well, it's got a good piano part, and it's another song that is definitely worth hearing live.
Megalomania: This is a great track to end the album on, it sums it up really well. It sounds really grand, with the use of a church organ. And I love the second chorus... it's one of the highlights of the album!
All the songs are fantastic, so no skipping over any of the tracks. And the CD comes with the added bonus of this thing they call Muse TV. If you have an internet connection (which I assume you must have if you're reading this..) you can download all the videos for the singles released so far, and random videos from gigs, backstage, tour buses, etc. They promise to add more videos, and it's a nice little extra to have on the CD.
Advantages: First half of album is brilliant; Citizen Erased; Space Dementia Disadvantages: Second half isn't as good as the first half; some songs fall flat e.g. Screenager
Origin of Symmetry is Muse's second effort, and by most Muse fans is declared to be the best one. Personally, it has superior hits to the other albums, but it's not as consistant as the other albums really and that brings it down for me. You see, the other albums generally have loud-quiet-loud-gentle-harsh-quiet-synth going on, but this album focuses more on getting all of the loudness out of the way in the first half of the album and then leaving ... ...My rating- 8/10.
Overall, Origin is quite a mixed bag. However though, if you want to hear Muse at it's best (although not consistently, just for two/three tracks) then get this album. Highlights- Citizen Erased, Bliss, the riff in New Born
Skippable- Screenager, Feeling Good, possibly another few songs depending on your own personal taste.
That's really what it's about..Origin is more down to personal taste than any other Muse album. Still a ...
aether3089 13.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Origin Of Symmetry - Muse
Advantages: A good 21st century rock record Disadvantages: Lyrics are rather obscure to say the least
Origin Of Symmetry was Muse's second album and came out in summer 2001, predated by two earlier singles Plug In Baby and New Born, both of which are pretty representative of the overall sound of this album. The CD came complete with a set of pictures by various artists all titled "Origin Of Symmetry", which I thought was a nice touch. God knows what the cover is supposed to represent but as an album cover it looks pretty good I reckon.
For a three ... ...It's obvious to me that this is Matt Bellamy's band, and although bassist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dom Howard are not there just to make up the numbers, it's Bellamy's plaintive vocals and (occasionally overplayed) guitar that dominates. Whilst the lyrics are quite often incomprehensible, the arrangements and playing are excellent. Put them up against another modern three piece, ooooh lets say Feeder, and they will smash them into the dirt ...
pinkmatchstick 04.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Origin Of Symmetry - Muse
Advantages: Every track is golden, I can easily recommend this whole album! Disadvantages: Some tracks just a bit mellow, and the openings of some of the songs do not reflect the quality of the rest of the track.
‘Origin Of Symmetry’ is the second album from UK rockers Muse, and in my opinion, better than their debut album ‘Showbiz’. Admittedly, I haven’t always been Muse’s biggest fan, and I hadn’t even heard of Muse until a few months ago when I first heard them on my friend’s mp3 player. But recently I ventured to purchase this CD (incidentally, with the ipoints earned from my Ciao Writings), and now it is ... ...Review (11 tracks).
01 New Born – The first Muse track I consciously heard (although I am pretty sure I heard Plug In Baby without knowing it was Muse), and still one of my favourites. The tension is built up superbly in the opening section of this song, and continues until it transforms into a loud guitar piece around 1and a half minutes into the song. After listening to this song, you will not get it out of your head for a long time.
02 ...
robsharpe 12.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Origin Of Symmetry - Muse
Muse have had a huge amount of pressure on them in the music business. Being compares to several top bands, most notably Radiohead and a superb debut 'Showbiz' meant that they have a lot to live up to in the future. 'Origins of Symmetry' received a lot of publicity, and if all the pressure could have cracked them, it really does not show. Still a great second attempt, if not up to the standards of the first, this is a great piece of music. 'Origins ... ...from pretty close to me down here in sunny Devon, they are South Devon bouys from Teignmouth. Matt Bellamy is the lead singer as well as pianist and guitarist, bass with Chris Wolstenhome and drummer Dominic Howard. Their first album Showbiz won them a lot of praise and are currently signed to Maverick Records. This is only their second album, thought their music is progressing well and winning them a lot of fans. Muse are very popular with live ...
Chris_Padden 14.02.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Origin Of Symmetry - Muse
Muse are my definition of ‘brilliant Alternative Rock’. They have a great way of blending different songs from different styles of music in to one album, just like, the less popular, ‘Showbiz’. Here is my report on the rock album of the year (or possibly not… ‘Take off your pants and jacket’ ring a bell?).
1) New born – what can I say, sheer, utter, brilliance. An excellent song, which deserved more ... ...album became top of the ‘rock’ charts immediately after this song was put on sale!!!
2) Bliss is not an easy song to respect, so much like a Christmas backing tune, I’m surprised it wasn’t sold as the ‘Opening theme to the Queen’s speech’!
3) Space Dementia is an intriguing song with great dramatic singing and music, a definite contender for New Born’s understudy. In my top three for certain.
4) Hyper ...
steveMANUNITED 11.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Origin Of Symmetry - Muse
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
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Advantages: Brilliant, energetic music Disadvantages: Disadvantages?!?
After recently watching one of the best live performances I've ever seen at Reading Festival this bank holiday weekend, I felt it completely necessary to review what is, in my opinion, Muse's best album to date; Origin Of Symmetry.
After the general success of their debut Showbiz, this second album raised them into the high-society of headlining rock music acts. After this weekend's show, it's easy to see why Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard are thought of so highly.
Opener New Born, is simply breath-taking. The piano introduction builds the song up perfectly, with Bellamy's eerie vocals - Thom Yorke-esque at times - acting as a perfect compliment. Then it all happens. The piano's die down and it comes the electric guitars, with a riff full of energy, rhythm and excitment. From then on the verses keep the tempo ...
Advantages: Everything Disadvantages: Just a bit long and drawn out.
Your'e listening to Radioh-sorry, Muse's new album, Origin of The Bends. Or was it Origin of Symettry.
I just bought the new Muse album, Origin of Symmetry. Amazing stuff! I used to be a professional Muse hater, but now thanks to just randomly picking up the new album at my local CD shop (17 miles away...) I am now heavily in to Muse. Many people have described them as being extremely similar to Radiohead's older stuff (eg. The Bends), which I have to agree with. It is a heavy, angsty rock sound that is so listenable. Origin of Symmetry does seem very similar to The Bends, and this can only be a good thing. It's a bit heavier, and more radio-friendly than The Bends, and seems just as angsty.
The current singles we have had so far are Plug in Baby and New Born, both amazing tracks. Bliss is also in the grinding wheels of coming out ...
Advantages: diffrent Disadvantages: not to everybody's taste
I know this album has been out for some time now but I have only just got it. Muse are one of the biggest up and coming bands in the Uk. Its no suprise with the standard of this album Origin of Symmertry, it is a truly excellent peice of music. It is so diffrent and so more orginal than other rock groups, here Muse are not afraid to expriment with diffrent sounds to come up with their unique blend of style.
There are many good songs on the album, I particulty like track 2 Bliss because it has a kind of mellow tune conbined with rock, which successfully works, there are more songs which uses this style.
The only disadvantage is that some of the weaker songs go on for too long, which is annoying.
Overall this is one of the best albums I have listened to and I think big things will happen to Muse in the future. ...
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