The Mars Volta is a tough band to categorize, but that’s because the essence of its sound is really a fusion of multiple influences. Under the umbrella of progressive or psychedelic rock, TMV combines an eerie blend of melodies from guitars and drums with infectious lyrics from the band’s lead vocalist, Cedric Bixler-Zavala. With Bixler-Zavala’s singing flair and the band’s manipulation of its instruments, TMV generates a distinctive sound that is as catchy as it is creepy – especially on the band’s latest album, The Bedlam in Goliath.
Ever since the band’s first major LP in 2003, De-Loused in the Comatorium, TMV has always had some musical assistance, usually from a member of former tour-mate the Red Hot Chili Peppers. (Chili Peppers bassist Flea lent his talents for nine out of 10 tracks on De-Loused.) Two albums later, Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante bled his guitar for seven out of eight tracks in TMV’s Amputechture.
Only time will tell if Goliath can truly be called a masterpiece, but when compared to TMV’s previous work, this album is a definite display of the band’s raw and energetic talent.
Goliath is a mix of new and old, as TMV plays with a variety of sounds inspired by music different parts of the world. For example, TMV accents a few of the album’s songs with an Indian vibe, virtually transforming the band’s guitars into sitars.
The new sounds are great, but TMV really excels at what it does best. Bixler-Zavala utilizes his entire sound range, loading his grave lyrics with life and fire. Newcomer Thomas Pridgen supplies the drums for his first album with TMV, and he gives a fantastic first impression. Pridgen’s drums are rarely the focus of a particular song, but he lets his name be known with every crash (check out “Ouroborous” for an insane display of Pridgen’s drum work).
And while the band’s talent is great alone – watch TMV’s acoustic performance from New Year’s Eve on YouTube for evidence of that – it wouldn’t be a true Mars Volta album without sound mixing. Paul Hinojos, the sound manipulator for TMV, ignites the band’s songs with flair and style and also makes them entirely more terrifying.
As a whole, Goliath is a tribute to all TMV has done up to this point – everything the band seems to have perfected over the years is on this album, including mind-numbing vocals and ear-shattering guitar and percussion. This album is as massive as its title suggests.
dsmith5@umd.edu
RATING: 4 out of 5 STARS
