Amputechture - The Mars Volta
Amputechture Image
  • Summary: Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante guests on the prog-rock band's third studio disc, which features eight tracks clocking in at an epic total of 76 minutes.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. This early-Roxy-Music-meets-late Led-Zep-style third studio album finds the band stepping back from total impenetrability with a pithy, eight-song, 76-minute set, guaranteed to restore the faith of those whose confidence in this grand enterprise was waning.
  2. With each album, the band seems to grab for so much, reaching further and further into the musical abyss, and still and managinge to craft songs that boggle the mind and dazzle the ears. The only question is whether all this is just too academic. [#15]
  3. Synths lap, strings weep soppingly, ham-fisted fingers tap, time signatures flash, and the amphetamine Beat poetry...is amphetamine Beat poetry.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 80
  2. Negative: 10 out of 80
  1. Einar1J.
    10
    Truly beautiful. Amputechture is TMV's most mature work, often flying between rock, jazz and soul. Don't get me wrong, this album sounded awful at first, taking perhaps 15 proper listens to realize its immense beauty. From start to finish I feel the amazing composition and praise cedric's vocals. Of course, this album is far from De-Loused on terms of accessibility, but it shines through in the end. 'Vicarious Atonement' is jaw-dropping perfection, with 'Tetragrammaton' bringing the listener to rollercoasters of sound and distortion. 'Vermicide' is one of those oddly placed accessible songs in an album of distortion, fulfilling its place with simplicity. Next, 'Meccamputechture' sounds great then lags, but mainly due to its immense length. However, you fall in love with any flaws. 'Asilos Magdalena' is a stunning near-acoustic spanish ballad, totally crushing any typical mind-set. 'Viscera Eyes' is jazzed-up for action, crushing the listener with sound. 'Day of the Baphomets' is mind blowing and jammin' fun. The finale, 'El Ciervo Vulnerado' leaves you feeling like you just listened to a materpiece, without knowing what on earth, besides amputation, cedric has been taking about. Takes multiple listens, please take your time with this record, and don't rate a record you've never listened to. Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  2. CraigR.
    5
    I haven't listened to this album, but I do own the first two Mars Volta albums (didn't care much for either, but the first one was decent enough), but I really just wanted to comment on the ridiculous number of "if you don't like it, you're not smart enough to understand it" remarks". Since when do we use a person's inclinations towards prog rock to determine a person's intelligence? Based on my previous experiences with the Mars Volta, I've found them to be rather indecipherable, and really requiring way more time than I'm willing to invest in a band. Is it not acceptable that someone may not want to approach his or her music the same way they approach a college course on metaphysics? The Mars Volta are ultimately a band that I can appreciate for their technical ability and willingness to try new things, but they're certainly not a band that I would want to sit down and listen to. I get enough headaches from my college curriculum, thanks. Expand
    • 0 of 2 users said yes
  3. GaborA
    1
    I used to hate mars volta for what they were, over pretentious art house nerds desperatly trying to redifine "progressive music" but ultimately only embarassing it and themselves. With the new album, though, everything changes. I don't hate them anymore for i cant take them seriously. Amputechture is laughable at best. Either these guys are doing a thesis on how insultingly pompous they can make their music while still retaining the devotion of ignorant college students. Or they have gone insane. Either way, no one should be listening to this. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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