Muse blows them away in Vancouver

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      At the Pacific Coliseum on Thursday, April 1.

      Well, you can’t blame Silversun Pickups for trying. It’s got to be hard opening night after night for Muse, a group that’s constantly touted in the press as being the best live band in the world. And it’s not like the California quartet is terrible, either. In a different setting, its fuzzed-out dream pop would have sent the crowd into hysterics. But considering the Pacific Coliseum throng was primed and ready for Muse’s larger-than-life prog-glam, Silversun Pickups’ humble, gooey alt-rock tunes just didn’t cut it.

      Part of the problem is that singer-guitarist Brian Aubert’s voice just isn’t made for an arena environment. Despite harder-edged moments like the Smashing Pumpkins–indebted “Well Thought Out Twinkles” and set closer “Lazy Eye”, his fey whisper barely made it past the first few rows.

      As Aubert lamented the passing of Richard’s on Richards, you couldn’t help but think the outfit’s no-frills aesthetic would have played much better in a club of that size.

      Muse’s set, on the other hand, was the kind of over-the-top spectacle that thrives in front of a massive audience. The band’s music almost cries out for ludicrous set pieces, laser shows, and thousands of screaming fans. The English trio managed to include all three in its adrenalized performance.

      As soon as the curtain dropped during the opening strains of the slinking synth stomper “Uprising”, the first single from its latest album, The Resistance, it was clear that Muse had something spectacular in store for its fans. Each member was perched atop a massive pillar encumbered with flashy video screens that would display astral projections, marching soldiers, this week’s NASDAQ numbers, and good old-fashioned song lyrics. The last came in handy on “Uprising” as vocalist Matthew Bellamy led the crowd through the tune’s unifying refrain of “We will be victorious.”

      However pumped it was to be there, Muse seemed a little guarded on its risers. Bellamy and bassist Chris Wolstenholme shuffled a bit on the LCD–laden obelisks, but kept away from the edges lest they pull a Steven Tyler and bust some bones. Drummer Dominic Howard, being stationary, seemed more concerned with jackhammering his kit.

      Muse isn’t an easy band to peg. There are a ton of influences working themselves through its often lengthy pieces. Tackling genres as disparate as ’70s prog, symphonic film scores, and grating noise rock, the group’s members did it all without even a hint of effort.

      Sometimes they’d jam out on guttural metal grooves that would please any die-hard Pantera fan, but then Bellamy would switch it up without even batting an eyelid by tossing his axe aside in favour of a keytar, like on Depeche Mode sound-alike “Unnatural Selection”.

      Through it all, Bellamy’s vocals soared triumphantly. Whether he was crooning through a megaphone on the slightly sleazy show tune “Feeling Good” or belting out the surprisingly poppy “Starlight”, the performer’s sensual vibrato bore itself deep into every audience member’s soul.

      There were too many highlights to count. Musically, the band was impeccable, and it had people lapping up every last note. Visually, the combo gave us a lights-and-lasers spectacle that’ll have us begging for Muse to be tossed into rotation at the Planetarium.

      Near the end of the night, a bunch of giant inflatable eyeballs fell from the rafters, showering the Coliseum with confetti once they hit the crowds. It was a fittingly figurative conclusion to the nearly two-hour assault on the senses that Muse gleefully provided. Plain and simple, Bellamy and crew blew us away.

      Watch Muse perform "The Resistance" at Pacific Coliseum on April 1, 2010.

      Comments

      13 Comments

      Lisa Bobisa

      Apr 2, 2010 at 10:10am

      The show was absolutely amazing. Its been a long time since I've been to one that actually took my breath away for a few moments, and almost brought me to tears of joy and excitement...they are THE most amazing live band. EVER.

      Tigger

      Apr 2, 2010 at 11:21am

      A great show and everybody stood up, great to see as usually here people sit through a concert!

      Condi

      Apr 2, 2010 at 12:49pm

      My review: wow, wow, WOW!!

      Danny Boy

      Apr 2, 2010 at 12:53pm

      Wicked concert. Bellamy is a brilliant guitarist, even rocked the piano at one point. Everyone stood up in the seated sections for the whole concert. Sound was great, clear. Good on em. Loved it....

      proud Canadian

      Apr 2, 2010 at 1:39pm

      I am almost 52 and have seen a good number of concerts. Quite simply that was the best of my list. Quite incredible on everything. Totally missed the SSPUs and had hoped to hear them. But you are right Richards would have been the place for them. This was the second time for live Muse and this overshadowed TO in 07, by huge leaps even in the coliseum. I know I look forward to more muse concerts, I think Vancouver really honoured them last night. Right on!

      GGG

      Apr 2, 2010 at 1:59pm

      People who sit down are so lame. Someone who loves the band and didn't get a ticket should've had there's.

      aka beton

      Apr 2, 2010 at 4:25pm

      I have been watching live music for over thirty years on both sides of the pond. Last nights performance by Muse ranks up there with the best. It is hard to believe that three musicians can do what they do. I hope it is not too long before they once again grace us with their presence. Thanks for a great show. Kudos to the Pacific Coliseum, I was initially suspect of the venue, but three songs in, it was clear I had nothing to worry about. Thank you so much.

      muse fan

      Apr 2, 2010 at 6:53pm

      ending with knights of cydonia was so perfect. the atmosphere was epic!

      Nadia

      Apr 3, 2010 at 8:58pm

      The award they had for the "Best live band" is not an overstatement. They effortlessly managed to make the crowd stood for more than 2 hours and made us feel that that was the shortest 2 hours of our lives. It was mind blowing! "Newborn" was AMAZING!!!! =D

      Hugo Romero

      Apr 3, 2010 at 11:05pm

      That was an incredible show ! In my top 3 of all time !
      Im so glad I saw Muse at the Commodore Ballroom for the Absolution tour back in 2004.
      It was also nice to see that most the people new every song . Muse Rules !