The Mars Volta. New Album.

My LSR was sold out. Just ordered it for delivery tomorrow. 

I listened to it, and though I am not familiar with their past work, I really like this album.

Glad to hear it! I causally had listened to this band over a decade ago but wouldn’t say I was a fan. I had totally forgotten that they ever existed. About 20 years ago I saw them open for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, but at the time hadn’t heard of them. All I remember was they were by far the single loudest band I’d heard play live. And this is from someone who has been to many NIN and some Tool shows…. The Mars Volta opining for the Chillis was so loud it physically hurt. Lead guitar felt like I was undergoing brain surgery without anesthetic. I also recall the singer performing acrobatics with the microphone for the entire set. So that’s my experience with this band.

Fast forward 20 years and their new album is an awesome example of a highly evolved and different band from what they were, and creatively fearless.

I'm on my second pass through the LP. The jury is still out for me. Definitely things I like about the album. But still trying to decide if it jells into a cohesive whole, for me.

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.