2008 Woodie Awards
Music Review: "The Bedlam in Goliath" by The Mars Volta
Patricia Rentschler
Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Arts and Leisure
In the fourth album from The Mars Volta, you hear nothing you wouldn't expect-which is everything that is not expected.
The album opens with Cedric Bixler-Zavala screaming, "Have you seen the living, tired of their own shells?" This statement has the appeal of nails on a chalkboard and assaults the ear in an oddly pleasing manner.
The opening track, "Aberinkula," is full of Eastern influences and showcases intricate wah-pedal work from Omar Rodriquez-Lopez, which continues as a theme throughout the album.
Aside from regular guitar, bass, drums and vocals setup, The Mars Volta utilizes instruments such as saxophone, organ, violin and flute. This album, which is said to be inspired by the band's run-in with an Ouija board, is chock full of many other interesting elements. As usual, the lyrics are completely off the wall and full of surrealist symbolism, which might put off anyone who hasn't listened to The Mars Volta before.
The band uses peculiar vocal effects in this album, as heard on the track "Ilyena," which makes the lyrics seem stranger. On top of that, Cedric Bixler-Zavala does a lot of vocal harmonies, which hasn't appeared in previous work. It is a new and abrasive vocal sound for the band.
This album is full of intricate wah-pedal work and peculiar guitar effects by Omar Rodriquez-Lopez. Just think Jimi Hendrix meets John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers fused with rhythmic experimentation.
Drummer Thomas Pridgen and percussionist Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez outdo themselves. Between the guitar and the rhythm, this album gets heavy-more than any of their other albums. A few standout tracks on this album are "Wax Simulacra," "Goliath," "Ouroborous," "Metatron" and "Conjugal Burns." Overall, it is consistent in theme but remains experimental. The Mars Volta use a range of musical techniques to create a tapestry of bizarre, textural music that is audibly abrasive and attention-grabbing.
For the seasoned listener, this is a must-have. For someone who is not, I would recommend listening to "Frances the Mute" or "De-loused in the Comatorium."
The album opens with Cedric Bixler-Zavala screaming, "Have you seen the living, tired of their own shells?" This statement has the appeal of nails on a chalkboard and assaults the ear in an oddly pleasing manner.
The opening track, "Aberinkula," is full of Eastern influences and showcases intricate wah-pedal work from Omar Rodriquez-Lopez, which continues as a theme throughout the album.
Aside from regular guitar, bass, drums and vocals setup, The Mars Volta utilizes instruments such as saxophone, organ, violin and flute. This album, which is said to be inspired by the band's run-in with an Ouija board, is chock full of many other interesting elements. As usual, the lyrics are completely off the wall and full of surrealist symbolism, which might put off anyone who hasn't listened to The Mars Volta before.
The band uses peculiar vocal effects in this album, as heard on the track "Ilyena," which makes the lyrics seem stranger. On top of that, Cedric Bixler-Zavala does a lot of vocal harmonies, which hasn't appeared in previous work. It is a new and abrasive vocal sound for the band.
This album is full of intricate wah-pedal work and peculiar guitar effects by Omar Rodriquez-Lopez. Just think Jimi Hendrix meets John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers fused with rhythmic experimentation.
Drummer Thomas Pridgen and percussionist Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez outdo themselves. Between the guitar and the rhythm, this album gets heavy-more than any of their other albums. A few standout tracks on this album are "Wax Simulacra," "Goliath," "Ouroborous," "Metatron" and "Conjugal Burns." Overall, it is consistent in theme but remains experimental. The Mars Volta use a range of musical techniques to create a tapestry of bizarre, textural music that is audibly abrasive and attention-grabbing.
For the seasoned listener, this is a must-have. For someone who is not, I would recommend listening to "Frances the Mute" or "De-loused in the Comatorium."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Zach Reed
posted 2/29/08 @ 9:10 PM EST
This is great.
Post a Comment