The Mars VoltaOctahedron
Warner Bros. Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Sit back and soak it in.
Album Review:
I don't know if a slow down is what fans were expecting with the release of a new Mars Volta album Octahedron but guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala's have released a record that shows off their ability to retain their king of prog-rock status while bringing it down a notch to reflect a different slice for the Volta. The key to this change is that they also paired down the track lengths a bit as only one song tops the eight minute mark. The group did all of this without cutting out pieces that followers flock to such as Omar's skilled guitar solos and Cedric's soaring vocals with sometimes out there lyrics. Octahedron will not have immediate appeal because of its decelerated attitude but these songs really simmer and have a greater impact each time you hear them. Like any Mars Volta record, Octahedron needs to be spun several times in order for it all to sink in, which leads the listener to discover different pieces each time. This record is well thought out and focused even though it probably could have used one more outright rocking track. The slower pace allows both of the guys to showcase talents that many of us might not have been aware of and that's always a good thing! It really comes down to just putting Octahedron on and relax!
Key Tracks: "Since We've Been Wrong", "Coatopaxi", "Teflon"
Bands With Similar Fire:
The Eye The Ear
Crystal Antlers
The Dear Hunter
Official Mars Volta Website
The Mars Volta MySpace
The Mars Volta Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records
-Reviewed by Aidan Rox
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