Muse @ SECC, 6 Nov

 

Muse have come a long way since they first emerged as an upstart three-piece rock band. Many see their latest offering Black Holes and Revelations as being the pinnacle of their career. After tonight's performance this seems doubtful. The crowd comprised of the usual Musette 17 year-olds and the new arrival of mid-twenties couples hugging on the sidelines of the ever soulless SECC. One couldn't fail to be impressed by the Davros-esque drum riser that complimented the increasingly Dr Who influenced tunes. 'New Born' and 'Plug in Baby' are still the best in their repertoire of songs and it's during these moments that they harness the fact that, beneath the lights and effects, they're a great rock act. Heavy radio airplay has allowed for the band's appeal to spread even wider and it's this draw that makes their success evident. The crowd remain young and rightfully impressed by the effort visible in the live show, and the set itself is tight and well rehearsed. That said, it lacks the engagement of old, relying heavily on weak visual gimmicks to fill the empty stage. Clearly the band are teetering on the brink of a wonderful and unique sound, but for the moment they're in no-man's land; not quite rock and not quite anything else. Having the balls to follow it through will decide whether Muse are genuine pioneers or just curious pop stars. [Graeme Park]