BANDS
The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute
August 15, 2005
Incredible is an understatement when it comes to these guys and their new album. This shit is the most engineered, jaw-dropping music I've heard in all my years, and also the most innovative. Frances the Mute is a 75 minute rock opera created around a journal found by deceased band mate Jeremy Ward, with whom he found many aspects of his life too similar to the author of the journal.

Omar Rodriquez- Lopez, co-founder of Mars Volta, stated the album was influenced by the trauma of Jeremy's death, and included many emotions while at the same time not being too literal. When I first popped this in on the way home from work one night, it was as if the music was guiding every single move I made; from the blasting vocals to the creepy but insane guitar licks.

But seriously, as the first part of this intense story/album kicked out of my speakers all kinds of crazy events started happening; a deer ran out as they started shouting out lyrics in Spanish, I gained control and the music slowed down. Maybe I was tripping from lack of sleep or maybe my car is just a piece, but when my headlights started flickering and I washboarded on that dirt road, it seemed Omar and Cedric Bixler-Zavala had followed everything I did.

Many probably recall the hit single “The Widow” or even their older CD De-lousedin the Comatorium but this record definitely sets Mars over the edge. If you haven't heard them yet, I challenge you to go buy their CD and I guarantee this mix of Latin, rock, and metal will replace your collection of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd records! Be sure to check these guys out when they come to the Joe Louis Arena on September 29 th with System of a Down! I promise it will be a show you'll never forget.

Adam Mularski

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