DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

This album is, by no doubt in my mind, an Essential addition to any collection. The mars Volta are one of the most original and most important bands of the 21st century and this is, also without a doubt, their seminal album. Much more focused than Frances and more experimental than amputechture it has memorable hooks, great songs, complex structure, innovative playing, and a great (if slightly disjointed concept). I wont do a song by song as thats not necessary but as far as the album as a whole goes, its very raw. it has a very distinct feel that i cant quite place. there is great production but the guitar especially sounds so, raw is the only word. Its an explosive record with some great atmospheric passages interspersed throughout both the songs and within the songs themselves. i was turned off by Cedric's high register vocals at first but the more i listened, the more tuned in i became to his style. he has a wonderful ability to deliver some great, memorable vocal melodies while also turning it down during songs such as Televators and Eriatarka. John Theodore's drumming is a highlight of Deloused and a real delight to listen to. I wont endorse the consumption of illegal substances but if it delivers results like this every time, i might tend to agree that PCP is a very good thing. 4.7 stars with minor deductions for slightly unmemorable meanderings of atmosphere (thats fun to say). This is an essential album for anyone wishing to call themselves a progressive music aficionado and one of the most important releases of the last few decades.