The Mars Volta

This is the third full-length studio album from former At The Drive-In men. It follows 2005’s Frances The Mute and this new album Amputechture really is a signal of their sound being louder and more massive than ever before. Every member can be heard clearly and overall this album really has great production. There is even guitar work by Red Hot Chilli Pepper John Frusciante.

“Viscera Eyes” is clearly the best song on the album and was a good choice for the first single. However the other songs are just as good with a few listens, and although this album has been deemed as “their worst” by early fans, the Mars Volta will undeniably become more popular with this new album.

It does take a few listens however, the rhythm is jumbled and there are riffs flying in from all angles, but once you get used to it you start to realise this is a very good record. From the opener “Vicarious Atonement” you can tell this is no ordinary rock record. It begins with a clanking, industrial noise that ping-pongs between your headphones before disembarking into a haze of guitars and blues scale lead guitar. The weird structure follows and is a truly fascinating listen.

There is no doubt that this album is alternative music at its best. Every minute is different to the next. Just as a riff gets going a weird noise swoops in and it’s just so unpredictable. The problem is this can throw off many people. No structure to songs? What’s the point? Well let me tell you, it’s enjoyable, it’s so different that it keeps you firmly interested. The Mars Volta comes under a term that can very rarely be used in modern times. That word is “unique.” I have certainly never heard anything as crazy and as witty as this album. Although this type of music doesn’t particularly float my boat, I’ve tried to step into the boots of someone that loves this type of music. If you are the kind of person who likes to be kept on their toes and surprised, this album will be one of your favourites.

Although I have said this is not a favoured genre of mine, I have to say that this album has opened up many doors for me. I have started to appreciate this new type of music. Although the genre itself isn’t firmly new, it is new for the average hard-rock music loving person. If you’ve got a few bucks spare and you fancy something different, I could not recommend a better album to buy.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Vicarious Atonement
02. Tetragrammaton
03. Vermicide
04. Meccamputechture
05. Asilos Magdalena
06. Viscera Eyes
07. Day of the Baphomets
08. El Ciervo Vulnerado

Run Time: 1:16:00