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57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something Truly Original and Good., August 17, 2004
The Mars Volta are one of those bands that defy categorization. The band features two ex-At the Drive in members as well as Flea contributing bass to some parts (don't know which ones, it doesn't say). Don't expect At the Drive-in, pt. 2 however. This is something pretty different. I don't know ATDI too well(though I own "Vaya" and I like it, so I plan on getting more), but from what I've heard, this doesn't sound a whole lot like them. It's more abstract and progressive, and a little harder to appreciate. I guess the music could loosely be described as progressive-punk-jazz-indie-whatever. It really doesn't matter. It's something really original and good.
"Inertiatic ESP" is the first real song (the first track just being an intro to it), and it starts the album off in a rocking fashion, with Cedric yelling "Now, I'm lost" over some speedy riffs and drumming. Cedric's vocals may be kinda hard to get into, but I loved them the first time I heard them. I dunno. He's kinda wail-y at times, but it's cool. "Roulette Dares (the haunt of)" is one of my favorites on the album, mixing speedier sections with catchy vocals with softer, prettier passages of guitar explorations (and one almost free-jazz-esque part that's really amazing). There's definitely some King Crimson influence in this one. "Cicatrez ESP" is another highlight, a 12 minute long piece with a long synth interlude and lots of cool guitary stuff. "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt" has some of the coolest guitar playing on the album in it's second half; it really must be heard. It's like Crimson-jazz.
This album will probably take a few listens to sink in if you even like it at all, but I give it a high recommendation to those looking for something original and progressive. Don't expect "prog" however...As Cedric said on their website, it's progressive, but has much more of a punk aesthetic to it.
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86 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It just plain rocks, May 17, 2004
I just got this CD and have not been able to tear myself away from it. Work and sleep are now merely times I can not listen to "De-Loused." This album definitely takes some patience and some getting used to, but isn't that true of all your favorite albums? A lot of the songs have some strange bridges and tempo shifts, but then shots of amazing melody that makes the whole song make sense...if that makes any sense. I'm still having a hard time with track 5 (sorry, don't know names). I instantly liked Track 2, still my favorite track. Tracks 3, 6, and 10 are also standouts, although it's really hard to find a bad track on this album. I'm sure eventually I'll even dig Track 5 If you're like me, you're constantly in the market for new music, and are constantly being disappointed...but this is hard rock, prog rock, whatever you want to call it at its very best. It's loud, smart, unique, melodic....just BUY IT.
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
RUSH out and buy this, September 24, 2003
Guys, RELAX. The singer DOES sound SLIGHTLY like Geddy Lee. The similarities between RUSH and THE MARS VOLTA are more in the complex and non-traditional song structure (no simple verse-chorus-verse here!), the tempo changes, and the dynamic contrasts. The way this band can stop and start on a dime reminds me of THE MINUTEMEN. The rhythm section is stupendously tight and powerful, really amazing, as is the guitar playing. I really liked AT THE DRIVE-IN, but this is in another league."De-Loused ..." is focused and powerful. Let me reiterate: it is powerful without being overly "heavy." The drumming and bass playing isn't slow, plodding and methodical (i.e, BORING) like many hard rock bands. I would call it "athletic" or explosive. Wait until you hear it ... "De-Loused ..." is a masterpiece that gets better with every listen. This is definitely an album that takes a few listens to totally grasp, (and I liked it on the very first spin) but don't let that last statement put you off: it is easy to listen to and enjoy, while at the same time, it is challenging. You just can't get a handle on the entire package in one listen. The sound on this album is amazing. I'm an audiophile and have been very dismayed at the recent trend to "turn up the volume" (i.e., record at a higher average level) of most new CDs, which simply DESTROYS the dynamic range and ultimately the fidelity of the recording. Most of the (modern) music that I love sounds [terrible] on a great stereo. This - on the other hand - sounds absolutely wonderful. You can easily follow each and every one of the complex, interweaving musical lines in this mix. This clarity allows you to really hear what the artists want to convey. I just keep turning this up louder and louder and it sounds better and better. So far, this is the best and most adventuresome album of the year. BUY THIS NOW!!! SUPPORT GREAT MUSIC!!!
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The Mars Volta | Format: MP3 Download
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