The Mars Volta–”Amputechture”
The CD: “Amputechture”
Performer: The Mars Volta
You’ll like it if: You like circa 1973 King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator; “Relayer”-era YES; more ponderous Pink Floyd.
Five years ago, when the promising indie hardcore punk band, At The Drive In, disbanded and split into two factions, casual observers never would have guessed that one of those factions would pursue a totally new musical direction and wind up resurrecting a type of heavy progressive rock the likes of which have not been heard since the early-1970s version of King Crimson and the legendary art-rock band, Van Der Graaf Generator.
The Mars Volta struck like a meteor from the past–a throwback to the glorious, pretentious days when angry young men listened to rock music with the seriousness that scholars reserve for classical compositions.
In fact, ATDI members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez had already been working on a little-known side project, De Facto, which betrayed their experimental leanings. When the other members of ATDI formed Sparta, Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez-Lopez formed The Mars Volta, and shocked everyone with a full-blown aural assault with extended songs featuring involved guitar solos and “heavy” concepts. “Amputechture” is their third full-length album, and it’s one of their most impressive yet.
This also their first album that doesn’t feature a central concept, though an opposition to the excesses of organized religion is evident throughout. Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante guests on most cuts, and turns in some of his most inspired work in years. It was no small coincidence that the Chili Peppers used The Mars Volta as their opening act on their most recent tour.
The songs, written by Rodriguez-Lopez, are remarkable headphone fodder. The lyrics express the kind of “deep” sentiments that go perfectly with heavy progressive rock: “My heart is darkclots, Leap year is late How did you get here, Ask all but the bail From a Christ that went hissing Constricting his cells We summon by candle by book and by bell” It may not read well, but it sounds great wailed in an anguished tone right before a three-minute guitar solo.
It’s hard to single out a standout track on this CD. You’ll either like all of it, or hate all of it. The guitar work is simply stunning. This is virtuosity on par with John McLaughlin or a young Robert Fripp. You shouldn’t approach this CD thinking that you’ll find a cute, poppy tune to go around humming. Only one of the eight tracks clocks in at under six-and-a-half minutes, while three of them exceed the ten-minute mark. I still haven’t decided if “Tetragrammaton” is a harsh comment on Judaism, or simply a tribute to German progressive rock bands. ” “Asilos Magdalena” is a beautiful Spanish-sung number that begins simply with Bixler-Zavala’s vocals accompanied only by flamenco guitar, then more vocals, distorted sound effects, and wild electric guitar all come into play, transforming the song into something slightly disturbing, without destroying the pretty melody.
I realize that comparing The Mars Volta to early King Crimson and YES may send some of you running for the nearest John Mayer CD. But for those of use who love the empty virtuosity, pretentious lyrics, and long, loooooong, songs from that era, The Mars Volta is a Godsend!
“Amputechture” is a very heavy, rewarding musical experience. The musicianship is first-rate, the concept perfectly-tailored to the post-adolescent psuedo-intellectual. They accomplish exactly what they want with this disc.
– By Rudy Panucci
