TREMULANT EP

This little EP shows the evolution of The Mars Volta from At the Drive In. The music runs a fair bit on the experimental side, perhaps not anything more than they would do by the time their second full length album rolled around, but certainly experimental. For fans of The Mars Volta, this is very intriguing; otherwise, it's subpar at best.

"Cut that City" Atmospheric sounds and percussion dominate the beginning of the track. The frantic guitar and rhythm section that will become The Mars Volta's trademark (not to mention Cedric Bixler-Zavala's voice with all manner of effects poured on them) bursts in unexpectedly. As much of his work with The Mars Volta will be, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's guitar goes at a frantic pace.

"Concertina" Bixler-Zavala's vocals come across as completely immature here. He sounds like a pale imitation of himself from future albums, especially when he sings in Spanish. The music is okay, but only just.

"Eunuch Provocateur" Driving percussion, swampy guitar, steady bass, and sound effects begin this one. Here, Bixler-Zavala's vocals and Rogriguez-Lopez's guitar work give us the best indication of where The Mars Volta would be very shortly. The strange voices are also a harbinger of the second album. The second half of this song is laden with sound effects that range from interesting to downright obnoxious.