DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

5/5 I recently picked up The Mars Volta's first studio album, De-Loused in the Comatorium, and have not stopped listening to it since. My first TMV album was Frances the Mute, which I also love. De-Loused has had more of an instant effect on me, whereas FtM took me a bit longer to appreciate.

It is instantly obvious after listening that the members of the band are very skilled in their playing. The drums really stand out, and blow me away each time I listen. The song-writing talent is also very strong.

This album contains a little bit of outside influence from other genres such as Latin and electronic (but not nearly as much as what's explored on Frances the Mute). This makes for a unique and captivating experience. After listening to this album, if it's a bit too 'safe' for you, then try FtM.

The lyrics are quite odd abstract (something I was used to after Frances). Inertiatic ESP features lyrics such as: Last night I heard lepers Flinch like birth defects Its musk was fecal in origin As the words dribbled of its chin The lyrics suit the mysterious and foreign sound of the music very well.

The album is remarkably consistent, with not a weak track. However, stand out tracks for me include: Son Et Lumiere, Inertiatic ESP, Roulette Dares and Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt. Televators is another great song, with a strong hook and a quieter feel than the rest of the album. "Take the Veil?" is the most adventurous song on the album, and gives a taste of what's to come on following albums by this band.

My overall view of this album is a fantastic debut by a fantastic band. Anyone who hasn't heard it should check it out immediately.