[minya]

I feel the need to discuss this album here on Head-Fi because:

a) it's so damn good
b) I think it might go un-noticed by a lot of people who would otherwise enjoy it greatly

The Mars Volta is an offshoot of At The Drive In, an emo band. Fear not, though, The Mars Volta isn't emo. At least I hope not, because if they are, that means I love emo. *shiver* Well, anyway, this album is great. Really, really, really great. For me to be saying this you know it's gotta be special, because rock/metal are usually not my thing. But this album is something else altogether.

There's a lot going on in this album - many layers waiting to be discovered. Psychedelic and progressive rock are clearly one of the Mars Volta's influences, and it can be heard in the many guitar solos (that's right, guitar solos) and instrumental flourishes throughout the album. They're also well aware of metal and hardcore, because the drums kick ass - they're not quite up to the spastic-madness level of, say, the Dillinger Escape Plan, but the drumming is pretty manic nonetheless and really gets your blood pumping.

What might be the best part about this album, though, are the vocals. The singer - Cedric somethingorother - has one of the most vibrant, amazing, and vital voices I've ever heard. He has an amazing range, and can go from a slurred yell to melodic emotion in the same song. Whereas most singers rely on rhyming and poetic lyrics to make the vocals flow, The Mars Volta ignores that (the lyrics don't rhyme, or even make much sense, really) and utilizes the intense emotion, vitality, and energy of Cedric somethingorother's vocals to make everything flow together. And it works - the first time you hear the album you might feel a little ambivalent about it, but sooner or later you'll find yourself humming a tune and having the oddly compelling indecipherable vocals stuck in your head.

What I'm saying is: this album is really good. It's got something for everybody. It's experimental, it's smart, it's melodic, it's difficult, it's intense, it's angry. It's brilliant. The Mars Volta are easily on par with a band like Tool - in fact, I find myself enjoying them more than Tool, and that's saying something. The album comes out on June 24; DO NOT MISS IT!

- Chris

 

[Rizumu]

Awesome stuff. I've always been one for unique vocals and this album is no exception. And I normally listen to a lot of rock so you know this is really good

I'm definitely picking this up when it comes out and so should you.

 

[markl]

I wouldn't call ATDI "emo" (yuck!) to me it's pretty straight-ahead punk/rock. I just loved Relationship of Command absolutely great album (immaculate recording too for such a punishing listen, I use it to burn in new components), minya you should pick it up. Really looking forward to Mars Volta, I believe its Rick Rubin producing and Flea on bass as well. I also recently read that Mars Volta "sound manipulator" died and they had to cancel their tour.

Mark

 

[minya]

Cool, thanks, Mark. I'll check that album out.

Yeah, that's true about their... uh, sound manipulator, or whatever, Jeremy Ward. Methinks he did the electronics on De-loused etc. etc. There's not much electronics on there, but there are some nice vocal effects and ambient interludes.

I don't know if their tour is canceled, but they're scheduled for an upcoming date on July 1 in San Francisco. I gotta try to go; all the reports I've read say that their live show has to be seen to be believed.

- Chris

 

[Masonjar]

Quote:

Originally posted by minya I feel the need to discuss this album here on Head-Fi because: a) it's so damn good b) I think it might go un-noticed by a lot of people who would otherwise enjoy it greatly The Mars Volta is an offshoot of At The Drive In, an emo band. Fear not, though, The Mars Volta isn't emo. At least I hope not, because if they are, that means I love emo. *shiver*

My friend plays in a very Hum-esque 'emo' type band called Quickening (Cleveland, Ohio), he's turned me onto all kinds of stuff I never thought I'd listen to. a few of my favorites are:

Jimmy Eat World - CLARITY
Braid - FRAME AND CANVAS
Hey Mercedes - EVERYNIGHT FIREWORKS
Jets to Brazil - ORANGE RHYMING DICTIONARY
Thursday - FULL COLLAPSE
Jawbreaker - 24 HOUR REVENGE THERAPY
At the Drive In - RELATIONSHIP OF COMMAND

thanks for the tip on the Mars Volta.. I saw Sparta (who were also members of ATDI) open for Thursday, .. they've very good too..

Emo ain't all bad

-jar

 

[minya]

A bump since it comes out on Tuesday.

I swear, people, this album is amazing. Don't miss out. If you like modern rock music at all, you need to hear this.

- Chris

 

[royboy2k]

Wow, it seems that Cedric Bixler (I think that's it) took some singing lessons or something because his voice is much improved compared to say, Relationship of Command. At least that was my impression upon first listen to De-Loused. Well either way minya is right I think, the record is very enjoyable and looks to be a grower.

 

[Tim]

Quote:

Originally posted by royboy2k Wow, it seems that Cedric Bixler (I think that's it) took some singing lessons or something because his voice is much improved compared to say, Relationship of Command. At least that was my impression upon first listen to De-Loused.

Very true. He now sings in key!

 

[minya]

I've just heard that Best Buy will be selling it for $6.99. It comes out tomorrow.

I'm not sure how true that is, but if it is true, nobody has an excuse not to pick it up.

- Chris

 

[royboy2k]

Quote:

Originally posted by minya I've just heard that Best Buy will be selling it for $6.99. It comes out tomorrow. I'm not sure how true that is, but if it is true, nobody has an excuse not to pick it up. - Chris

I'm pretty sure it's true, since I saw it in their ad this week. And yes, they've been known to sell certain CDs as similarly low prices. I'll probably pick it up.

 

[chase]

is cedric still writing super abstract lyrics??? i have figured out around 20 atdi songs. many still are very hard to figure out what the hell he is talking about. i personally think the best atdi album is in/casino/out. with vaya 2nd with roc very very close behind.
sparta is excellent, so i can't wait to pick up mars volta.

 

[minya]

Quote:

Originally posted by chase is cedric still writing super abstract lyrics???

Yeah, that's part of why I like the lyrics so much.

- Chris

 

[Tim]

I just bought Deloused in the Comatorium today and it is absolutley amazing! I've been listening to various downloaded mp3s the past few weeks and it was very refreshing to hear how the final album all came together. As Minya said it's very layered and touches on the psychedelic. I like to think of it as psychedelic space rock. It's very exhilarating.

It will take you 60 minutes and 53 seconds to listen to the whole thing, and all of the songs flow into each other so there's really no pause in the music. I think all the head-fiers here who like rock (although The Mars Volta can not simply be catagorized as 'rock') should download a few songs to see what it's all about. Or better yet go here and you can listen to the whole album.

I think it should be noted that Rick Rubin produced the album and that Storm Thorgerson did the cover art.

Pic 1

 

[markl]

AAARRRGGHHH!!! Just went to the best buy web site ready to buy, but $6.99 deal is "in-store only".

 

[Rizumu]

Quote:

Originally posted by markl AAARRRGGHHH!!! Just went to the best buy web site ready to buy, but $6.99 deal is "in-store only".

Gah! I hate that. $6.89 with free shipping from www.deepdiscountcd.com though, that's even better.

[edit] Personally, I'm just going to get it from Amazon, though, since I'm already making an order and it will probably ship faster.