The Mars Volta, 'Octahedron' (Warner Bros.)
Duo reinjects soulful noise into interstellar freakouts.
By Mikael Wood 05.27.09 7:40 AM
Unless you're the kind of prog-rock nut who plans to buy I Love You, Man on DVD just to relive the scene at the Rush concert, you're probably suffering from an acute case of Mars Volta Fatigue right about now. (Symptoms include naming your child Parallax Symbiosis and ordering the "deaf con of Angora goats" at fancy restaurants.) Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, in particular, has diluted the potency of the band's brand, issuing an endless string of increasingly impenetrable solo discs that make you wonder if the guy is paid by the note.
Given its typically foreboding title, Octahedron would not appear to be a cure for this disorder. Yet these eight tracks -- only one of which stretches past the eight-minute mark! -- actually make up the Mars Volta's most consistently compelling slab since 2005's salsafied Frances the Mute. Make no mistake: Rodriguez-Lopez still favors 12 solos where one will do, and singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala's lyrics make no more literal sense than they ever have. But on gorgeous psych-soul ballads like "Copernicus" and "Since We've Been Wrong," these hardcore noise freaks show off a sensual streak, while fierce rockers such as "Teflon" and "Cotopaxi" burn with purpose, not just technique. "I can't believe anymore," Bixler-Zavala wails over an escalating punk-funk groove in "Desperate Graves." For the first time in a while, though, you might.
Great great album... It's getting more melodic and controlled, with less of the noice parts from Bedlam. Like it or not. I find it great. It's a bit like listening to Rush "A Farewel to Kings" from 1977. It's prog. rock at its best.
at least it kicks the shit out of Goliath. That album was dank!
Wonderful album! As a long time fan, I've learned to kick back and trust the Volta to deliver. They definitely live up to the title of prog rock as they've been progressive since Tremulant. What more could a fan of rock music ask for? Octahedron: another TMV experience!
This album is fantastic.
I was extremely worried when I heard it would be their "acoustic album" but this album has blown me away.
Just a question. Why do people knock on Bedlam so much? I thought it was an awesome album. A bit more rock than previous entries, but great none the less.
I would agree with one thing and that is this album is a recovery from Bedlam. I would rather spend my $10 itunes pleasure points on Omars El Grupo Nuevo de Omar Rodriguez Lopez.
I thought Bedlam in Goliath was their best since their 1st album. Musically, they're having so much fun, and though it's long and there are many 'breaks' and 'solos', it wastes so much less time than Frances the Mute or Amputecture...each song offers another sweet rhythm, another creative vocal filter, another strange mix of soul and hell. I suggest y'all take another listen. That said, the new one is rocking my ass in some very interesting ways - good for TMV for turning new directions with each record!
Maybe they mock it b.c they don't know that album was all about extremes... I think its a masterpiece. I will agree you have to have an open mind to accept it though. It deff. grew on me. But i just say why hate anything right? its different and original and for that i love it.
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