New The Mars Volta

[DarkAxel]

after Octahedron, i didn't know what to expect... I was quite worried, actually

i'm listening to it for the first time... it seems different, in some way more oldschool, but still pretty radical i'd say

what do you think?

[Muse FTW]

I've heard some of this material before (from some of their live performances, and album announcements) but it's definitely another departure from anything they have done before.

Feels fresh...though I can't quite place my finger on it. Omar definitely takes more of a back seat, and lets the other members (well, the ones remaining) flesh out. There's definitely more synth in the forefront (as apparent with The Whip Hand). Cedric sings in lower octaves than before, a welcome change, and it almost feels ADTI-esque (ever so slightly, don't expect Relationship of Command lol).

Molochwalker is a favorite of mine, but I'm listening to the whole thing essentially for the first time. Aegis is also awesome. In Absentia is gnarly.

Deantoni (the new drummer) is KILLING it, that's for sure. I really love his style.

After listening to the whole album again, I can certainly say it's a cohesive experience. There are 13 songs which are more or less stylistically similar, and there's not too much breaking up the actual music (read: guitar effect soundscapes). There are some really great songs (namely Molochwalker, Dyslexicon, Aegis, In Absentia), and Zed and Two Naughts is a fantastic conclusion to the album. I'll definitely need a few more listens to fully digest and appreciate the album, because I think it's a grower even though it's probably their most approachable album since De-loused. I know a few of my friends who have been turned off after Frances the Mute listened to this album and enjoyed it more than anything they've put out since De-loused, so that should tell you something. Whether or not it will please long time TMV fans...I don't know. I certainly like many of the tracks upon first listen, though I know it'll be different for everybody.

The whole production is tighter than I expected, to be honest.

It's a high 8 or 9/10 for me.

[D.o.S.]

I haven't been seriously excited about a TMV record since I saw 'em tour for Frances*... but your write up has me intrigued.



*Not strictly true, I really dig their Circle Jerks cover of "Back Against The Wall" they put out as promo for Bedlam.

[Muse FTW]

I haven't been seriously excited about a TMV record since I saw 'em tour for Frances*... but your write up has me intrigued.



*Not strictly true, I really dig their Circle Jerks cover of "Back Against The Wall" they put out as promo for Bedlam.

Definitely give it a listen or two, at least. It catches you off guard at first. The Whip Hand (the opening track) is so un-TMV in many ways, though the track is extremely TMV in many other ways. It messes with your mind.

[kbit]

Tried to listen, turned it off after a couple tracks. Not connecting with me right now (which is understandable since I haven't been into "grand" rock music lately). Will have to try again some other time.

I saw a lot of this performed live last spring and it was a phenomenal show.

[autopilot]

wow, this new stuff is fantastic, really enjoying and loving the tones and structures

[Adoom]

I love this album so much.

[madmax1012]

tried a while ago, and i just could never get into them sorry all

[kano2864212]

I'm really happy with how this record turned out. It really sounds like they had a solid idea for the whole thing and executed it very well IMO.