FRANCES THE MUTE

Wow. This album is the second from The Mars Volta and it is no letdown. Simply amazing. Sure it takes a while to get into but isn't it the same with almost all prog? The only complaints about this album is the 'excess' noise. And while there's no denying the huge amount of filler used, 'filler' is really not the term I would use to describe the long transitional phrases, these phases do a great job setting the mood for the next big sonic explosion. Even with the so-called 'filler' this epic disc contains more music than the average record coming close to 80 minutes long! The blatant single, the 'Widow' which is somewhat slanted towards the mainstream, still manages to contain what the mars volta is all about, their music is experimental and chaotic yet comes together with Cedric's voice to make an awestricking sound. This effect is present throughout the album and is why I love the band. They mix new genre's on every track presenting each one in a different way. The bands influences are so numerous that it is difficult to pick them out which gives the listener a completely new experience as the sound is familiar but completely new at the same time. Essential.