A band that originated in Texas from post-punk At the Drive In, (also a great band), and decided to reform to develop numerous
concept albums. The first, being De-Loused in the Comatorium (the story of a past band member Julio Venegas who commited suicide), is a
masterpiece, blending Latin roots (some members are hispanic), trademark post-punk rock riffs, jazzy interludes, progressive and
experimental synthesization and much more to create a deep, emotion-filled record. Their recent release, Frances the Mute, is just as legendary, yet focuses more on the song length and digital paraphernalia rather than conventional song-structure. And for the Mars Volta, this is definetely a good thing.
The Mars Volta are indeed a special group of musicians. Their cd booklets are strewn with
philosophical and
aesthetically stimulating images and words, fueling their contemplative sound. They cross many boundaries and
break the barrier between conformity and musical subconsciousness. They are madly orginal and insanely creative.