Photo: Ryan Olbrysh

Muse at the Joint December 12.

Despite a generally icy reception, the local electro openers showed no fear. Afghan frontman Mikey Francis strutted the giant stage the same way he does inside Beauty Bar, while sonic manipulator Vince “Beans” Campillo bobbed his head so hard he complained of neck pain the next day. Thumping versions of “Future Thinkers” and “Solid Gold” might not have won tons of converts, but if nothing else, the night goes down as a successful resumé-builder.

As for Muse, the trio served up an hour’s worth of empty calories—attempting to sound so epic at all times, its concoctions felt more like parody than actual music. Last time the Brits played the Joint, a Weekly reviewer described the experience as “era-defining.” Lord, I hope not.