DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

The Mars Volta's album didn't quite strike me as a prog-rock album, but the more I think about it and listen to the music the more I agree. The best bits of At The Drive-In were Omar & Cedric, and they certainly prove that with this superb display of musical intiricacy and creativity. For the most part, this is a bombastic, ear-splitting minefield of noises, crunching guitars and wailing vocals. But the quieter, melodic moments fit in beautifully, such as the last single 'Televators' which is an atmospheric acoustic gem, and many of the introductions of songs. Drawing on influences and pushing the boundaries forwards are what progressive music is surely all about - and The Mars Volta show everyone how it's done, without ever wanting to be called 'Prog-Rock'