The Mars Volta’s most recent release, Octahedron, is a powerful album. But, be forewarned – it’s very different from any of Volta’s other albums.
I did enjoy Octahedron from beginning to finish, though. I deem that no song skippage is needed.
In their fifth album (sixth if you count their live album) Volta blends psychedelic guitars over smooth bass lines. While many songs on Octahedron are chaotic and quick paced, a few are slow and run high with emotion.
Volta’s bass and drums are much more prominent in this album while Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s guitar work is more subdued and atmospheric. The guitar melodies almost have a mandolin-like sound. Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s voice winds and falls through the album, effectively delivering each song’s dramatic lyrics with urgency. Each instrument smoothly blends together, creating a less improvisational, more rounded sound.
While there are plenty of jam-filled-rock-outs in this album, they are minimal compared to their other albums. This fact may displease some of Volta’s long-time fans. Octahedron is organized, and instead of a continuous connection that melds songs together, a light, airy synth links each song’s beginning and end.
The shorter songs on Octahedron recall an At The Drive In sound; a few have the “Midnight Behind the Box” feel. You’ll see.
Octahedron is definitely worth a listen or two. Also, check out the sweet CD shirt combo.
The Mars Volta: Website|Myspace
Written by Abby Stutzer
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