The Mars Volta. New Album.


This came out of nowhere for me.  New self-titled album from The Mars Volta.  What a great thing when a broken-up okayish-band regroups after 10 years, crosses genres while maintaining some sonic continuity, and creates a timeless and inspired opus.  What an accomplishment. Confrontationally creative. Hits musically first, then you realize you are also listening to an abundance of audiophile goodness as well.  Wasn’t really a fan of The Mars Volta before this album, but this is a blast.

nyev

I get that. There’s a lot of spontaneous changes in direction and a constant feeling that the music is continually evolving in a way.  Overwhelmed with varied ideas.

Maybe try following along with lyrics as you go.  Apparently there is quite a journey starting with terrifying theme of abuse and trauma before moving on to intense optimism.  I read that in a magazine interview with the singer.  Might help with the cohesion.  I’ll be trying following the lyrics soon.

@nyev  - "Maybe try following along with lyrics as you go."

Good suggestion. I was thinking the same. First 2 times through, I did not read the lyrics, and they are sometimes a bit hard to understand.

I like it. Does anyone else think it sounds like Flaming Lips doing the Chipmunks Biggest Hits? 

No, not really.  It's more like Arctic Monkeys doing the Chipmunks Biggest Hits.  But it's great...  I noticed in the rare instances he sings in his low register, his voice is sublime, but also sounds a lot like Arctic Monkey's singer.  Gets distinctive in the upper range.

Well, it took me a while and many times through this album, but now I think it's fantastic!