FRANCES THE MUTE

Both albums share one thing in common; they are purely experimental rock, but not straying far from TMV's At The Drive-In origins.

At The Drive-In had music very much based on psychedelic drugs mixed with political issues that the world overlooked. TMV lost almost all this energy/fervor. Their sound is at times too heavy for the message they are trying to convey. Lyrics are repeated countless times throughout the album, and are even repeated from De-Loused. At The Drive-In's ingenuity will not be found here; Omar is merely recycling that which made ATDI popular. De-Loused had a lot of drugged-out lyrics, like a Halloween version of Yes's early 70's work. As TMV moved on from the days of ATDI, they lost that special artistic enigma. This album has no problem telling you upfront what is trying to be said. Think Vaya & In/Casino/Out meets social issues, with a bit of urgency and more dramatic moodswings, and lacking the thoughtful lyrics.

I find that this album has far too much filler --- when Yes, RUSH, and Hawkwind did their 'psychedelic noodling/jamming' it was purely an extension of whatever atmosphere had been produced in the preceeding tracks, much like an echo. Somehow, TMV thought this meant they could string song after song of jazz-rock. It's nice to have this one long 25-minute jam session split up into pieces, but it's really quite unnecessary.

I enjoy De-Loused and Frances, don't get me wrong. There are plenty of old familiar sounds from ATDI being mixed with classic Floyd with a tinge of Radiohead. The Hawkwind space-jazz edge certainly adds a lot to the atmosphere.

HOWEVER. if you are looking for something true to its origins, this is not the place to look. This album has nothing to offer if you're already a fan of Genesis/Pink Floyd/RUSH/ELP/Hawkwind, except maybe a modern atmosphere. I suggest you give De-Loused a try instead, and if you don't like that, go back to Relationship of Command [ATDI] or Porcelain [Sparta].

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