Muse
Haarp

THE REVIEW

The crossroads for every band worthy of the name, of any genre, is the live album. Everyone (or almost everyone) sooner or later goes through this essential step for any band worthy of the name. In fact, often and willingly (even if nowadays unfortunately it can also be done during live shows) a live performance can highlight the strengths or weaknesses of a band.

Muse is no exception, and after the second CD of the Hullabaloo collection (recorded in Paris in 2001), they released Haarp, a live CD recorded at the revamped Wembley Stadium (another milestone that seems important for every UK group) on June 16, 2007. Alongside the CD, a DVD was also released, which contains both this performance and the one the following day. The album was heavily promoted, both for the venue and for the fact that it was sold out on both dates; however, unfortunately, as often happens, a lot of publicity does not correspond to the quality of the album.

The various tracks shine magnificently live, and those who consistently follow Bellamy and company know that they are one of those bands that gives everything in a live setting (even if Matt's voice seems slightly subdued compared to usual). Distortions, improvisations during the songs (the one during Butterflies & Hurricanes, a piece I absolutely adore, is amazing) and electronic effects are predominant, as in every Muse live performance. Bellamy and company truly put their soul into this Live, shedding their star aura to entertain the audience, something every band fortunate enough to have such a vast audience should do. The tracklist itself is really good, even though two great classics of the band such as "Plug Me Baby" and "Feeling Good" (present on the DVD) are missing, but almost all the tracks that every Muse fan should know by heart are there. The tracks, as mentioned, are almost enhanced by the Live, and they resonate well (the unplugged version of Unintended is touching). The audience is really enthusiastic (even too much, as we will see), singing every single note of the band. Thus, on paper, it would seem like a good live album...

It's a pity about the quality of the recording. Sometimes it seems that more than an official live album, it sounds like listening to one of the many bootlegs circulating online. The hysterical screams sometimes overshadow Bellamy's singing and even the band itself. At times, the tracks are not heard well at all, and the overall quality of the CD is really not good. And it's a shame, a fall of style for the producers, but also for the Muse themselves, who usually pay attention to every detail of their records. Sometimes it feels like they rushed to release this CD, even if the demand for a Live was indeed massive, but not to this point. They could have waited a bit longer, and perhaps better refined the sound quality and cleaned it up.

Ultimately, what on paper seems a good album unfortunately ruins itself with its own hands. Recommended, but only to those who are fans. For those who want to get closer to them, I can recommend Black Horse and Revelation.

Tracklist:

Intro
Knights Of Cydonia
Hysteria
Supermassive Black Hole
Map Of The Problematique
Butterflies
Invincible
Starlight
Time Is Running Out
New Born
Unintended
Microcuts
Stockholm Syndrome
Take A Bow