OCTAHEDRON

The Mars Volta

Heavy Prog

3.68 | 466 ratings

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jampa17
Prog Reviewer

...And finally there was music. I'm glad.

Based in what I have heard of The Mars Volta, I really dislike most of their past material, but this particular album took me with my guard down. There was music and not noises all over the place. There were fine melodies and a very mature sound, appealing and fresh.

The music is more focused, they seem to have a better idea where to take the music and the listener, and actually take them there. There's a lot of somekind of mellow moments and a lot of catchy melodies, but that doesn't mean that the music lacks of energy and strength. There's always an approximation of power and emotion that I do like a lot, so, if you are like me and don't like The Mars Volta, maybe this is your album to check. Now, if you are a usual TMV fan, maybe you get a little disappointed because is different, I don't find a better word but different.

If somebody is worry, well, the craziness of their music is there, but in less moments and in a more controlled way. If I have to point to some very weak element about this band is the singer. He became very annoying in some moments, but I have to say, with this more mature material, the vocals seem to fit better. There are good and bad moments for it, and now is like 50/50 and not as annoying as in other albums, so, I think for me is a win, not sure for the TMV fans.

A well balanced album that I think I can price with 3 stars, because it is a good album and shows that TMV can actually made not self indulgent high music, but just music, without pretentiousness. I hope they stay in this kind of projection? only time will tell.

jampa17 | 3/5 | 2010-5-11

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