Muse - H.A.A.R.P. DVD(preview screening)

Sat 5th Apr, 2008 in Music Reviews

If there’s any comparison to be made between H.A.A.R.P. and Muse’s previous live DVD effort, Absolution, it’s that this time around they’re definitely having more fun. Headlining Glastonbury in 2004, few had the confidence that Muse could pull it off. A mere three years later and the three-piece are at the height of their powers, performing to a 90,000 strong crowd at Wembley who need no convincing of their ability. They look comfortable on the running track length stage, undaunted by the sheer magnitude of the stadium. Hell, the boys even crack a smile or two, inciting shrieks of joy in the two fan-girls seated behind me. All this from a band that lost out to Take That as ‘Best Live Act’ in the Brit Awards…

Set-list wise, the DVD?gig?show? is very focused on the band’s most recent effort, Black Holes and Revelations. There’s a strong presence of songs from the classic Absolution, but disappointingly few from their first two albums. Notably missing is the 7 minute epic Citizen Erased and the moving Ruled By Secrecy. In their absence crowd favourites Starlight and Invincible do little to make up the difference, serving for me the vital function of a toilet break.

Fortunately, there’s Butterflies and Hurricanes and Nina Simone cover Feeling Good for those of us who like Bellamy best when he’s attacking the keys. Frenetic rock numbers Hysteria and Stockholm Syndrome work the crowd up into a frenzy almost too easily. The highlight of the set (and any Muse gig) is undoubtedly Plug In Baby, which surely the band have tired of. That Muse continue to play one of their break out hits is a sign of their eagerness to please their leagues of fans.

H.A.A.R.P. is evidence that Muse could be falling prey to the lure of the gimmick. A motorised stand delivers Bellamy a glitter encrusted guitar that would look at home on Prince, and huge satellites sit on either side of the stage, perhaps communicating to our extra terrestrial friends. Most bemusing are a collection of illuminated hills hoist structures, leading us to wonder if at any second Matt will whip out the peg basket and start hanging out his white Y-fronts. The two acrobats suspended in the air by large white balloons give what should have been a subtle Blackout a decidedly “Sydney Olympic Opening Ceremony” feel.

The highlight of the DVD comes close to its conclusion, as Bellamy points to the sky and beckons to a helicopter hovering above. It’s a cinematic moment, probably edited to perfection but nevertheless captivating. It shows Bellamy in his element, untouchable and in control – just like the band at this stage in their career.

But are they too in control? Devoted fans such as myself have had overwhelming feelings of déjà vu with their most recent tours. It’s safe to say that the Hottest 100 winner Knights of Cydonia and the not-so-subtle Take A Bow are interchangeable for either set opener or closer. This filmed concert is no different.

H.A.A.R.P. is masterfully filmed and edited for a music DVD. My only qualm is that that the frequent and frenzied chopping and changing of shots left in me a desire to see more of the bigger picture – especially considering the scope of the venue.

This DVD might prove more enjoyable than being at the actual gig. Sure, the mosh-pit crowd (with an average age of about 17) were loving it but what of those in the far reaches of the stadium? There seemed little effort made by the band to bring the show in closer, but perhaps they’re victims of editing. According to NME, attempts to make the show more intimate were made, with Bellamy squinting towards the back of the stadium and saying “How are you doing at the back?”

Where Muse go next is open to speculation… Best Ofs? Singles? 15 minute space-rock solos?Only one thing’s for sure – they’ve got their live show mastered. Take that, er, Take That.