THE APOCALYPSE INSIDE OF AN ORANGE

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OH MY GOD!!! that was the first thing i said when i listened to the first few seconds of this album. i dont make too many reviews, so when i do, it means something. There is an element to Omar's solo albums that you dont quite hear on The Mars Volta albums. For one thing, there is more of a jazz-rock/fusion feel, with the horns and keyboards (clavinet everywhere!) being much more prominent. In fact, i would have to say this fits more in that genre than heavy prog (but im not complaining).

Then there is the funkier, jazzier, and more loose feel going on. Even though this is an Omar solo album, he treats it the same way as with TMV, having everyone playing an important role in the music. There's a lot of improv too, and more free jazz (though somewhat controlled) elements than TMV bring.

You could compare this to the Volta, but its kind of pointless. If you like TMV, you'll definitely love this. That's the only comparison i can make, since Omar write most of the music for the band anyway. But if you're like me, who've said The Mars Volta should bring in more of the fusion and jazz thing, this is your answer.

This album is instrumental, but i know some of his other albums have vocals. This album is basically The Mars Volta playing jazz-fusion (interesting concept)

seriously, if you even kind of like TMV, you definitely have to find this (and others) and blast it. You will not be disappointed. This album makes me feel like The Mars Volta are inferior to Omar's solo works, but they're all pretty much one in the same anyway.

ESSENTIAL!!!!

The Mars Volta (without Cedric Bixler-Zavala)

This 2007 solo effort by Mars Volta's mastermind, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, is an amazing offshoot of The Mars Volta's incredible and eclectic instrumental side. It has it all from jazz fusion, funk, latin and space music; all genres mixed up in an ingenious way and played greatly with a lot of power.

Besides Omar, you've got Juan Alderete on the bass, Adrian Terrazas-Gonzales on the sax and Omar's younger brother, Marcel, on the percussion/drums, all who have played (or are playing) with The Mars Volta. Since there is no singer, it's fair to say that this is like an instrumental take on Mars Volta's music.

From the powerful, funky-tinged 'Melting Chariots' to the mind-blowing 18 minute ''jam'' entitled 'Jacob Van Lennepkade II' featuring fantastic show-offs from all members involved, The Apocalypse Inside of an Orange is indeed an album all fans of Omar's main band should check out. However, like most of Mars Volta's albums, there are some unnecessary tunes filled with noise like the 11 minute title track which has zero content.

Overall, a very good work by Omar that shows all of the characteristics of The Mars Volta though focusing more on the instrumental aspects of their music. Besides fans of The Mars Volta, all those who can't get into the band's music because of Cedric's vocals, this is by every means the way to go.

4 stars: Though not as concise as the albums by The Mars Volta, still The Apocalypse Inside of an Orange is an excellent addition to your modern Prog collection.