FRANCES THE MUTE

What can I say? My favorite album ever. The sheer range of scope on this effort is amazing as is the music. Many feel the ambience on this album is in excess, which is a perfectly valid opinion, but to me it serves as a time to reflect on what I just heard.

Frances the Mute: (9/10) If you can get past the opening bells this is a powerful song with an haunting mid-section and a crushing finale.

Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus: (10/10) A facemelting piece with insane drumming from Theodore. While some might dismiss the noodling in the middle as unimaginative, it never fails to effect me as it seems very emotionally charged. Especially before the chaotic ending.

The Widow: (7/10) A rather underdeveloped song. It's still great, featuring some nice trumpeting courtosy of Flea.

L'Via L'viaquez: (9/10) A very groove oriented song with some great Bonham-esque drumming. A very unique song too, as it transitions nicely from rocking all out to a great breakdown with Harlow on the piano.

Miranda that Ghost Just isn't Holy Anymore: (10/10) This song features possibly the best build up ever. When you finally listen to the amazing final chorus you'll know what I mean. The terrifying vocals at the beginning suite the song perfectly.

Cassandra Gemini: (9/10) The epic on the album. This song manages to plow full steam ahead for about 14 minutes (no small feat) and gives way to some other-wordly soundscapes and then comes full circle to an amazing finale.

The best Mars Volta album IMO. Omar's vision of the songs is quite impressive as none of the songs fall apart given the length.