Standout longplayers

16 September 2022

Band: THE MARS VOLTA
Who: Former At The Drive-In members
Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez
Active: 2001 present / 6 LPs so far

Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López (Fat Bob shot with Leica M10)

New album: THE MARS VOLTA
Released : 16 September – order info here

NME says: “The Mars Volta’ is a record that seizes the attention instantly, peppered as it is with arresting top-lines. But it also demands – and handsomely rewards – repeated listens, by virtue of its meticulously assembled arrangements (just bathe your ears in shining third single ‘Vigil”s luxuriant mix). This isn’t just a striking return for one of the most individual bands of the last 20 years; it is, musically, an astounding masterpiece. Their finest hour? Quite possibly.”
Full review here. Score: 5/5.

Turn Up the Volume: Their prog-rock approach is still present here and there, but with fewer layers of wayward structures. I hear more echoes from their ardently beating hearts and Hispanic souls than before, also more direct, and earthy, even stripped to the bone at times. It makes this new one in 10 tears one of their most accessible.

A welcome back triumph.

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Singles/clips: Graveyard Love / Blacklight Shine / Vigil

– GRAVEYARD LOVE –

– VIGIL –

– BLACKLIGHT SHINE –

Stream the full album on Spotify.

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THE MARS VOLTA: Facebook – Instagram