MUSE Vinilo y CD

Review: Remixed, remastered and remembered afresh, Origin of Symmetry ranks among the finest moments in Muse's back catalogue and certainly helped define their sound as a band, resplendent in mind-melting arpeggiation and theatrical-levels of drama. 20 years on, and they have finally come round to a reissue worth the weight of the 180-gram vinyl it's pressed on.

As the title suggests, this isn't so much a straight forward re-release as it is a re-imagining of the original record with added bells, whistles and modern engineering. The result is something that is every bit the fitting tribute to that landmark moment. An alternative rock opera filled with romance, melancholy and even some classical influences thrown in for good measure. Or rather extra impact. Definitely not just another throwback, then.

Review: It was recently Elon Musk who told us that there's a "one in billions" chance that we're not living in a computer simulation right now, and to popularise that theory even more Warner presents Muse at arguably their biggest. It's the mega-band's follow-up to their 2015 Drones LP and Nostradamus-like themes are once again at play in the subtle neo-anarchist tendencies of Muse's end of the world sound, although this time around electronic, EDM and Tron influences are at the forefront of their production. A distinctly colourful, vibrant and hyperactive listen compared to their last full length, and seemingly light years on from their seminal 2001 album, Origin Of Symmetry, Muse send us streaming into a new void that's as exhilarating and it is terrifying.

Review: Somehow summoning the chutzpah and spirit to go bigger-better-faster-more on each one of their albums thus far, Muse here dish out another feverish, histrionic and mightily compelling collection of widescreen art-rock stompers. With the help of none other than 'Mutt' Lange in the producer's chair, the Teignmouth three-piece make a record with an epic scope and grandstanding aplomb that could put it in the ring with any of the stadium acts he's worked with in times of yore. With an anti-war theme surrounding ditties that loom large in the imagination, 'Drones' is another bold step for this unlikely trio.