'Origin Of Symmetry' is a lush, artfully arranged album of epic, heady rock complete with electronics, swirling guitars, baroque keyboard embellishments, and dramatic vocals which drew comparisons to Radiohead on its release. In addition to their grand sonic canvases, Muse have always had a way with a melodic hook, displayed perfectly on this second full-length album.

Sep 2003

Whilst 1999's 'Showbiz' saw Muse somewhat unfairly derided as mere Radiohead copyists, 'Origin Of Symmetry' sees them sounding defiantly like their own band. Matt Bellamy's angelic falsetto vocals and the angst-ridden lyrics do remain - only this time the bombast and melodrama are turned up to eleven. Produced by John Leckie, the album runs the full gamut - from string-laden art pop to overwrought discordant avant-rock and everything inbetween. Musically adventurous, progressive rather than (ahem) 'prog rock' this is a fascinating, flamboyant and hugely individual album. Contains the singles 'Plug In Baby' and 'New Born'.

HMV CD Editor

Matt, Chris and Dom made a triumphant return with their second studio album. "New Born" and "Plug in Baby" were their biggest releases off this album, with the latter being their biggest UK single hit until this years "Supermassive Blackholes".

Again Muse's originality and talent shines through and Matt Bellamys ingenuity is unrivalled in the modern music scene. This album helped take Muse into headline tours and out of toilet venues and into proper arenas. A headline tour with Hundred Reasons followed the release of this album and helped catapult them to the forefront of the British music scene.

An extremely well produced album and helps catch their live performances much more than their debut. A must for all MUSE fans.

Jon Baker, HMV Worcester

Equally influenced by the artier rock of the 1990s (Radiohead, Jeff Buckley) and the '70s (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd), Muse emerged as one of the more grandiose progenitors of latter-day Britpop. Their 1999 debut album SHOWBIZ, produced by John Leckie (who worked with both Floyd and Radiohead), made them stars, and subsequent releases proved the British trio's staying power.