Muse
Casalecchio di Reno, Palamalaguti 02.12.2006

THE REVIEW

RHYTHMS & NOTES
Muse
Palamalaguti (Casalecchio di Reno - Bologna)
December 2, 2006

After the introduction of some cheerful and rather hysterical young lads, called "Noisettes",
an eagerly awaited show commenced. Especially for those who, like myself, have followed the English group since its early stages with Muscle Museum, from 1999.

The singer Matthew Bellamy, dressed in red (I believe also to be seen by the more distant public inside the Palamalaguti), demonstrated undeniable energy and power live. As did his bandmates, Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals) and Dominic Howard (drums), accomplices in what was a triumph of voice, guitars, videos, lights, and synthesizers; even the less experienced audience and those less familiar with their "distorted" genre couldn't help but sing with exhilaration Time is running out and Supermassive black hole, the chart-topping singles. A unique atmosphere was immediately created through the videos, projected on the backdrop and side megascreens of the stage, which seemed to belong to another planet; the audience was immersed in outer space, with stars as far as the eye could see (Starlight), marching robot armies (Knights of Cydonia), scenes of mass suicides from the tops of skyscrapers in any city (City of Delusion). The cover of Feeling Good wasn't missing, with which the inspired pianist Bellamy managed to send shivers down our spines, alongside the delirious serenade Plugin baby.

In every song there's a journey. Not always melodic or catchy, and not easily repeatable either. Although, especially in the latest album, the lyrics contain very specific messages, related to the current state of the world, amidst wars, ecological disasters, and impending alien invasions. Bellamy sings as if from within himself, a voice that torments and attracts you at the same time. It’s like a hiss, a high-pitched, orgasmic scream, piercing through everything. And in this, the formal traces of Thom Yorke, of Radiohead, are tangibly recognizable.

In the assessment of this excellent concert, there is nevertheless a negative note: the shuttle service of the Atc of Bologna, which probably did not anticipate such a turnout. Especially when returning from Casalecchio to Bologna, many people waited at least an hour after the concert, during one of the first truly cold nights of this strange season.

Ilaria Federici - Self-Managed Journalistic Editorial Team - E.R.B.A.

Punto Giovani Europa