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28 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"I'm starting to feel a miscarriage coming on...", January 29, 2008
(The Bedlam in Goliath" by The Mars Volta)
On their fourth studio album, The Mars Volta have definitely decided not to take it easy. From the very moment it starts until its ending 75 (!) minutes later, the band works in full steam ahead hyperdrive mode, rarely stopping for breath. One could be halfway through the album before realizing the first track is even over. On the upside, it shows a band determined to prove they're now the hardest working men in show business; on the downside, the songs tend to blend together into a massive rush of LOUDERFASTERNOW!!! Although working with the same prog-punk blueprint they've been developing over the years, here they seem to reject the more jam-band approach of Frances the Mute or Amputechture. All of the songs on the new album fall below the ten-minute mark, which for them is concise (disgruntled fans of the first album may want to check this one out). Their love of latin rhythms continues, however, aided ably by new drummer Thomas Pridgen, who gives the impression he's actually two men. The twin guitar attack of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and (former Chili Pepper) John Frusciante, while using every style they can think of (including feedback noise), here they at least stick to the song at hand. This is not to say they're not coloring outside the lines, but they play it at such light-speed that the impression one gets is of Miles Davis' On the Corner interpreted by meth-addled robots. Meanwhile, vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala sticks mainly to the upper registers of his voice and lets the words tumble out at such a rate thay a lyric sheet is necessary to know what they are. This is not to say "understand," though, "The Bedlam in Goliath" is billed as (what else?) a concept album about a seemingly cursed ouija board that the band acquired in Jerusalem. Hey, I don't make the news; I just report it. If any of this sounds a bit daunting, that's probably because it's supposed to be. The Mars Volta obviously don't appeal to casual listeners; in fact, die hard Rush or Tool fans may even run screaming from the room. One of their major inspirations, Carlos Santana, would probably also be baffled. Still, if you're already a fan of the band, or just want to test your fortitude as a music fan, this is the album you've been longing for. Though one wishes they'd slow down sometimes--this album is all crescendo, all the time--this is no return to the form of their earlier work but another creative level entirely. With their maximum-firepower approach, if The Mars Volta aren't the best band ever, they're certainly the most.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Bedlam in my headphones, February 12, 2008
Bedlam definition: disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably. And thats exactly what this album is all about. While trying to avoid repeating the more obvious elements of this album I must say I was a bit nervous about buying the Bedlam in Goliath. Why? Because while Frances the Mute and Amputechure were both better albums than Green Day or Fallout Boy could even imagine pulling off, yet they both reflect the challenges of a band trying to follow up after the smashing success of De-Loused in the Comatorium while loosing a key member of the band and often overlooked Jeremy Ward. While having many highlights both Frances and Amputechture both feel like bloated eps that could have benefited from more editing (like the 2 plus minutes of tape noise after "The Widow" and does anyone ever listen to the entire "Cassandra Gemini"?) and better mixing (More Ikey, and what happened to the drums in Amputechture?). Then exits John Theodore, who disliked playing live shows, yet was an amazing drummer. Whats next?
Bedlam more than surprised me because I liked so many of the tracks on first listen as previous albums including De-Loused grew on me. This album is a return to form, literally! Somehow a nine minute song like "Soothsayer" sounded like it was three minutes long. The song structures are tighter on Bedlam, less experimental (a la Frances), more structured and shorter solos, less turn on a dime tempo and mood changes (a la Amputecture), sections connect more effectively, less meandering, and overall more accessible. But put into context Bedlam is as accessible as sushi! This is not mainstream music. Now that TMV is an octet this recording retains an amazing clarity and thanks to Rich Costy nothing gets lost in the mix. And don't worry about the new drummer, Thomas Pridgen, an alumni of Berklee college of music. I was pleasantly surprised with Pridgen's intensity and technical control of this complex music.
"Wax Simulcara" would have been a great first track. Perhaps the most radio friendly track, and TMV recently performed this track on the Dave Letterman Show. Wax shows Pridgen in command on the percussion duties while driving a hard and intense rock out that ends in a blissful freak out acid jam that on previous albums may have lasted till next year.
"Soothsayer" is an outstanding track, haunting, very effective, and is in a ten/four time signature. The heavy echo laden guitar sound that dominated De-Loused which I much enjoy is back on this track. I wonder what some sitar and tablas could have added to this and my personal favorite track. The added string section enhances the depth of this song. Bravo to Omar for his opening guitar/sitar phrasing, and outer space effects!
"Goliath" has a catchy guitar riff, while Cedric's high end vocal screams are able to conjure ancient spirits. The screaming near the end is violent and scary.
"Aberinkula" has a blistering saxophone solo, this track has moments that remind me of Viscera Eyes, which is not a bad thing.
"Metatron" almost resembles Tetragrammton yet being shorter by 7 minutes (phew!) and has a killer bass line!
"Ileyna" is a pleasantly funky tune perhaps inspired by the Red Hot Chili peppers.
"Tourniquet Man" is an odd track that seems to fit well in it's short 2 and a half minute span. Perhaps the most mellow track, a kind of oasis.
"Cavalettas" has a lot going on, more focus on form, and interesting sound manipulations that do not become overdone.
"Agadez" rekindles ideas from "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt" and could have also served well as an ending track. Hey I can hear Ikey on this one!
"Askepios" is an interesting song which feels like two songs.
"Ourboros" has moments that seemed influenced by System of A Down. With its soaring chorus, and heavy syncopation, this tune contrasts well between smoother and more intense sections.
"Conjugal Burns" has an almost humorist, Halloweenish bass guitar sound from Juan Alderete. The scream near the end has to be Cedric's most intense ever!
Hearing this album the first time was like reading a novel that you couldn't put down. The intensity and creativity of this album keeps me captivated for the duration, which few albums as a whole can do. One can read about the storyline/concept of this album elsewhere. Keep in mind that Cedric and Omar have repeatedly stated that the message of their music is meant to be obscure, you are free to interpret it any way you want! But go ahead and blow your mind by researching and investigating the meanings of the song titles, words, and artwork. For every answer you find a new question emerges. Less is more, and more is less at the same time. This is music that almost defies description with words, you just have to hear it. And if your open minded, and like De-Loused you will not be disappointed that you did.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An amazing album., February 3, 2008
I have had the pleasure of owning this album for 2 days now and, it just keeps on growing on me. I've been a fan of TMV since 'De-loused' but found 'Frances the mute' and 'Amputechture' to be a little pretentious. Not the case here. 'The bedlam in goliath' runs right out of the gate and does not let up. Before i delve into this review i must confess that i am a huge king crimson fan and an even bigger Tool fan so, TMV fit right in with my musical tastes.
I didnt even know that this album was out until the drummer in my band texted me and told me so. I immediately jumped out of bed and showered, hopped in my car and drove to coconuts. I proceeded indoors where i found a copy then walked back to my car. Now, as with all new releases i must soak it all in. So, i continue home, pack a battie and pop in 'Bedlam'. BAM! right away they barrage you with a full on assault of twisted sounds and then cedric hits a register higher than the almighty himself. I am not going to give a track by track review since people seemed to have covered that already. The concept behind 'The bedlam in goliath' is, omar was in jerusalem in a curio shop and came across a ouija board which he brought home. The band say they used in night after night and the same spirits would come through. The short of it is, the band claims they were haunted by these spirits which interferred with the making of the record. All hub-bub aside, this is an amazing release and MUCH better than what i had expected from them.
Also worth mentioning is the new drummer, forgive me for not knowing his name off hand. He manages to out-shine jon theodore in many aspects of the music and feels like an overall better fit for where they seem to be venturing. If your a fan of progressive/space/experimental music grab this album and prepare to shift into hyper-drive.
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