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However, from the moment the show began it became clear that Muse had not just risen to the challenge but had rocketed far beyond it. They’ve certainly conjured up a stage-set to match their newfound status; curtains swept back to reveal three suspended video-cuboids floating majestically like intergalactic high-rise buildings above three more, atop which the performers rose and fell throughout their hour and three quarters set. Looking every bit as grandiose and ridiculous as their new album, the Devonshire trio tore through techno stomper ‘Uprising’ and angst-ridden ‘Resistance’ before descending from their plinths of light to the iconic strains of ‘New Born’, much to the delight of the thousands of fans packed into the arena.
As their songwriting has grown in musical and textural ambition over recent years, Muse have been joined on stage more and more frequently by session musician Morgan Nicholls; his presence on Wednesday allowed the band the space and freedom to expand their sound and experiment without losing any of their overall technical precision. Indeed, they demonstrated that in no way have they lost their desire to musically exceed expectations via the numerous riff improvisations continuing long beyond the recorded length of many songs; Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme’s blistering drum-and-bass jam atop a rotating stage was a definite highlight.
But the show could only ever belong to front-man Matthew Bellamy; the epitome of ‘cool’ - whirling and diving while projecting sounds of simultaneous vigour and refinement from his guitar - his singing was pitch perfect and of a searing vocal quality that few in the rock music world today can match. He dedicated ‘Starlight’ to his niece, as if to unconsciously remind us he was still a human being…
The 20-song setlist demonstrated a band on top of their game, old favourites ‘Hysteria’, ‘Plug In Baby’ and ‘Time Is Running Out’ sending the sea of loyal devotees into instant rapture. What was perhaps surprising was how well the beautiful, more tender songs from their new album ‘The Resistance’ slotted between the classics; the piano-led ‘United States Of Eurasia’ was a standout track, while forthcoming single ‘Undisclosed Desires’ gave Bellamy a chance to give his keytar a rare outing. As it closed the main set, ‘Unnatural Selection’ sounded every bit the veteran tune.
A trilogy of encores gave the chance for the band to show off a movement of their ‘Exogenesis Symphony’ before returning to the gritty, defiant guitar-based rock with which they became established, ploughing through ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ and ‘Knights Of Cydonia’.
As compelling as their records are, it’s undeniable that live performance is where Muse truly come into their own. Don’t be put off by the hype; they are the band to see live. If you’re sitting there now thinking that they won’t justify the myth that surrounds them then you’re right. They’ll do much more than that…
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