I was disappointed w/ Deloused, mostly in terms of the production. I thought they'd fleshed out their ideas and taken the next logical step from ATDi, and really loved the Alex Newport produced demos. But Rubin's final made me feel like I was listening to a piece of plastic, with the guitar and coals pushed too high in the mix. Cedric's voice was more feminine, yet more abrasive than on the demos; it annoyed me. So, there was a whole album of ideas I liked, but just not their execution. I got excited for the new album once I started to hear the vision behind it, and some of the new live jams. I thought both Caught in the Sun, and A Plague Upon Your Hissing Children were both awesome (neither made the album though). The soft progression in the Middle of Cygnus sounded great live too. And it was supposed to be about the unspeakable visions of Hell, so I was imagining a dark and disturbing soundtrack to compliment the imagery found in Dante's Inferno. Finally, the production was supposed to be a step closer to the rawness of Tremulant, and I was really expecting something as aching and moving as Concertina on FTM. But instead of one step back to the stellar heights of the Tremulant Ep, they've further moved away from the ATDi sound, completely abandoning it, which is bad news for me, an ATDi fan. I think that's why this album is creating much more of a polarized reaction among fans than Deloused, because it's like a totally different group. It's a lot closer to a classic/prog rock album, a lot more upbeat than something inspired by the unspeakable visions of hell you'd expect, with shitloads of wanking, stadium sized drums and Cedric's voice adopting a slight drawl. All the songs feel bloated, with long interludes, intros and outros, needlessly tacked on, which dilute the more powerful moments on the album. The production itself is overdone too, it's not raw at all, but now there are string sections, saxes and flutes, which come off more cheesy than overwhelming like they're supposed to. A lot of the vocals are overharmonized, which again, comes off as prog rock cheesiness. I don't dig the "OMFG! WE'RE LATIN!!!" vibe they keep trying to push more and more with each record. I can understand it's a part of who they are, but they try to make it seems like it's more of a part of them than it is. They grew up in the US and are completely whitewashed, native speakers tell me their spanish is pretty off whenever they try to use it in interviews. So, the third track makes me laugh. Half of it sounds like the Matchbox 20 and Sanata collaboration. On Concertina, the spanish verse was great, but maybe it's the way the vocals are, it just comes off as grating. To its credit, the structure of the album does fit the longer songs better than on deloused, the interludes don't sap away the energy from the song as much as they did on Deloused, like on Cicatriz and Take the Veil. It's more like a chaotic live jam with a simple riff repeated over and over, and progressions and improve based on top of that. But a lot of it, especially the last song is too much like a live jam, half of it feels like the instrumentals were made up on the spot, with random pick srapings and pianos wandering in and out of the mix. That being said, it's not really a difficult album to listen to, it's pretty much all melody, and there are verses and choruses and all the stuff you're familiar with, there are just a lot more of them, and they're a lot more long winded. The biggest disappointment with the album, is that at TMV's start, Omar said he wanted to bring some virtuosity back to punk rock, something like that. He can play better than ever now, but instead of using that skill to write more expansive and fully developed ideas, the basic structure of this album are fairly simple riffs, but with him shredding on top of everything. The more the band says it tries to distance itself from the cliches of prog rock, the more they seem to fall right into them. So, I'd say anyone aching for the ATDi sound, stay far, far away, but prog and classic rock fans will probably dig this.… Expand

This is a masterpiece. Cassandra Gemini is one of the best songs ever recorded by anyone anywhere anytime. The whole album is amazing. Love the jazz influence combined with what they did on de loused. My personal favorite TMV album and maybe my favorite album of all time. You must listen to this album several times. Dont hear it once and make a decision.. it takes time to really take it all in.… Expand

This here album is the reason why I still listen primarily to hillybilly mountain music.

I love this entire album. Great mix of pure sounds that will invade your every ear drum canal. If thats even possible.

This is the most amazing album I've ever heard. Period. The Mars Volta never disappoints.

So ridiculously superior to anything out right now, it's a joke. There's isn't a band around that can hold The Mars Volta's sweaty, screaming jock strap. Consider it an honor to listen to the Led Zeppelin of this generation in vestal splendor. A perfect album in almost every sense of the word.

this is the greatest band ever

Why does it seem like no one figured out the twists of this album? Either they got and don't want to give it away, or they dismissed it as "impenetrable" and "pretentious." If you are one of the latter, please read the following. First of all, this is a great album. Definitely the best prog since the 70's. Omar took the helm this time, and he really moved the band's sound in startling and consistently rewarding directions. The only album of the present decade that gets better every time I listen to it. Now, the twist. I'm not going to give it away, but suffice to say, these hints should help some get over the seemingly incongruous bits of sound. They do get progressively more obvious, so STOP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SPOIL IT. 1) Despite everything, pump the volume at the beginning of the album, the first "Sarcophagi." See what you hear. 2) Turn the volume up again during the long guitar solo at the 23 minute mark of Cassandra. Yep, thats the scratches back from the beginning... 3) Look at the first two pages of the booklet. The first is the only character not included in the album's song cycle (though she got a single essentially explaining all this). The second is a record player... 4)The Widow - yeah, that noise bugged the crap out of me when I first heard it too. But it's there for a reason (booklet!)... 5)The second "Sarcophagi" - OK, this is really obvious. Hear the needle scratching at the end of Cassandra? We're actually right back at the beginning... OK, so how does this relate to anything in the real world? Well, it's a bit of a stretch. Basically, "Frances the Mute" and the, ahem, twist, is a sort of metaphor for the diary the band found following Ward's death. This connection is admittedly not very articulate, but hey, it's really cool.… Expand

Lacks the cohesion of De-Loused but still an excellent album. You can really follow the progression of their sound.

The awesome explosive sound of the mars volta will not be forgotten soon.

i love this more than i love men, and thats a lot!!

VERY enjoyable.

I think their previous record was waaay better. They took the easy way out.

This album is terrible and only gets worse with each listen. In fact, it is terrible to the point of arousing anger in the listener. Rollingstone gave it a good review so you know it sucks.

Anyone giving this album less than a 7 is just stuck up. Unless you really just don't like music.

i would like to view the art of the gentleman that wrote the review for pitchfork. did your girlfriend/boyfriend leave you for themarsvolta. Obviously FTM is self indulgent, otherwise it wouldn't be so beautifully interesting.

Progressive rock was progressive 30 years ago. It seems that these guys don't understand it. If Mars Volta are one of the best young rock it actually is dying.

There's a lot to dislike about this album. The lyrics are deliberately abstruse, they're a lots of pointles sections of ambient noise or free jazz meanderings, much of it requires repeated listening to 'get'. And yet it is still an amazing album, because when they get it right, they REALLY get it right. Great rhythms, great vocals, and great drama. I know it's not immeadiate, but stick with it, it really is worth the effort.… Expand

Very trippy album. 5 tracks of pure prog-rock mixed with electronic, sonic spaces to send your mind guessing every time you listen. Truly one of the more intellectual groups out there that do not dumb-down their sound for audiences.

This album is absolutely INSANE! I'm in love with it. I listened to it for the first time in my basement with all the lights out. I wasn't even high but I swear to god I was seeing thinds. Amazing trip. If you are a TMV fan, it's a must have. Even if you're not, it's STILL a must have.

crazy but it sounds fucking great

"Tremulant," one of the better EPs of the past decade or so, gave me such high hopes for this band. Yet having now heard their first two attempts at a follow-up full length I'm left wondering what could have been. Exotic song structures are one thing, but when taken to this length, with no apparent rhyme or reason and a complete and utter dearth of melody, the listening experience is infuriating. Do yourself a favor, listen to "Tremulant," and hold out hope that the band that created those three songs will get around to recording a follow-up, as there's no sign of them here. I'll be avoiding their next album like the bubonic plague.… Expand

Very nice. Smooth, unhurried. Very chill. Listening to it on a rainy day and I'm having visions in my bedroom.

Now seriously, what's the fuss about? ATDI was alright, but this one over here completely sucks. It's as fresh and progressive as Dream Theater are.

Great album, but an overabundance of ambient noise cheapens the experience.

Reminiscent of early Pink Floyd and Rage Against the Machine, yet still highly original.

Compared to their first CD, this album was a big disappointment. If you take the essence out of it, you're left with 5 songs and a lot of needless filler around them. It's a 70 plus minute album that feels like an EP. It leaves you wanting more. A friend of mine who saw them live said that the CD is like being at their concert... 15 minutes of jamming, and then they play the 3 minutes you actually recognize from their album.… Expand

THis album is great, just pure poetry. It lives up to its predecessor and it just great, everyone should buy this album and enjoy the sweet easy listening!

It takes a while to get used to this album, but when you have, IT'S BRILLIANT!!!

Excellent

Its an incredable album that every sane an unsane person should own and for my money its the best album ever!!!

This is possibly the most amazing record i have ever heard. It isn't the kind of album you can skip around on, but is only done full justice when listened to from start to finish (preferably alone). Simply an unbelievable experience full of talent and emotion

Best 2005 Album.

This album is pure awesomeness in a cup. When I'm listening to this album, I don't really think about the story, because the music itself is so amazing! My only complaint falls upon that organ thing that consumes the last two or so minutes of The Widow. You can tell that that's just pointless filler thrown in there. Then again, The Mars Volta is awesome because they do what they want, not what we want. And I guess that organ thing is what they want, so yea, who am i to complain? And i forget if its one of the Mirandas or the Cassandra Geminis, but that "I think I've become one of the others ooohhh....ooooohhhhh...." part is strait up GANGSTA! yes-indeedy.… Expand

An amazing album. I don't know what Pat N was thinking. The solos in frances the mute are very well done. Listen to Miranda: Pisacis... tell your brother to play those solos. Just because you don't enjoy the art-work does not mean you need to give it a bad rating. 10 thumbs up on the album though.

There seems to be 2 opinions on this album. You either think it's long, boring and pretentious or you think it's an epic prog rock masterpiece. Quite frankly there are very few groups out there doing music this adventurous. "Frances The Mute" is an album you don't listen to. You experience it. The best album I've heard this year.

Dont listen to Rory and Karp over there, they obviously have something up there ass cause this album is great. Besides do you live in the U.S.A? because if you do how can you rate something that isnt even out yet , dumbasses. Anyways, from the beginning to end it is one of the more enjoing 77 min ive spent in a long time. Mars Volta is so high right now some people just plain dont get it. So get your facts straight before you take all the words you got out of other articles, and put them into a review that is horriblly unaccurate and stupid to read. One word. Superb… Expand

For anyone that likes real music, music with feelings, colors and depths you can't explain, turn here. This album leaves the listener to put the pieces to the puzzle on what the back story of this album is. The Mars Volta are the new classic rock of our time, and anyone that disagrees does not have an imagination. The Volta will be big in 05, I guarantee it

Yuck. The first song is great because it is the only one to have structure. Everything else is just disgusting. No form, no structure, no discipline, it's just all over the place. Not a fun listen, not entertaining, barely even musical. Avoid

I quote one guy who feels the exact same way as I do. "I really wanted to like this album. I defended [I] De-loused in the Comatorium [/I] throughout 2003 against my anti-prog friends. Unfortunately, [I] Frances the Mute [/I] is terrible. Without Rick Rubin at the helm, the band lacks focus, doesn't develop melodies, and can't transition between different parts of their songs. Omar Rodriguez's soloing is hackneyed and goes against the flow of their earlier songs on the album. The latter half of the album is just an inconsequential jam that is utterly boring and stilted." -- Exactly how I feel!… Expand

There are musicians who can write catchy songs (Coldplay, Pearl Jam etc) and there are those who are technically great and inventive beyond words (Hendrix, Pink Floyd etc). Both these traits make artists worth listening to, but the Mars Volta are both, make the most of it!! don't bitch about pretentiousness just because you are listening to something that came out of a time-capsule from the year 2020.… Expand

Very little going on with more chops and intelligence.

oh my god.... the mars volta have done it again as far as bringing music to a new level of pure awesomeness!

I've heard a lot of good music, and a lot of SHITE. This is somehting I've never heard. It blends all of the best types of music into a fusion of chaos and symatry suitable for an acid trip. Amazing, just amazing!

I quote one guy who feels the exact same way as I do. "I really wanted to like this album. I defended [I] De-loused in the Comatorium [/I] throughout 2003 against my anti-prog friends. Unfortunately, [I] Frances the Mute [/I] is terrible. Without Rick Rubin at the helm, the band lacks focus, doesn't develop melodies, and can't transition between different parts of their songs. Omar Rodriguez's soloing is hackneyed and goes against the flow of their earlier songs on the album. The latter half of the album is just an inconsequential jam that is utterly boring and stilted." -- Exactly how I feel!… Expand

a masterpiece, from beginning to end, its like watching a movie, only without the screen.

Granted, i've only listened to the album fully, once, and i'm on my second stretch now, but this album flows seamlessly. I don't like the way people put down the gaps between the songs, because there seems to be a time of reflection that i personally cherish. If the cd just went from song to song without stopping, i know that i would loose focus on the creativity and amazing work of art that i just heard. I was at first timid about the incredibly latin, L' Via, but after a second listen, it's such a contrast to anything else that the song separates the album from any main stream american album you or i have ever heard. I have a hard time breaking this cd into songs because i look at the album as one massive work. Trying to analyze individual parts of FTM is losing focus to what this album is about. TMV made FTM seamless for a reason, i believe that FTM is supposed to be viewed as a whole, no other way. I recently read a review that i liked very much in that, the band may fly from one end of the spectrum to the other, but there is one prime factor that keeps everybody together. Jon Theodore as a precussionist keeps everything together and easily keeps my attention througout the cd. Also take for example that i am a guitarist and in no way a drummer, so for a drummer to call my attention before Omar is nearly incredible.… Expand

track 4 is good. the rest is sadly bad. i like the ep the best out of the 3 releases.... i miss at the drive-in. do you guys remember at the drive-in?

I never thought the Mars Volta would come up with the goods again after listening to the amazing De-Loused in the Comatorium, but this is just stunning! It just sucks you right in from the fantastic opening track and doesn't let go until the very end. It's everything I hoped it would be - not more of the same, but a progression in their music. It is very different to the DITC but it is just as good. It thoroughly deserves a rare 10/10 from me.… Expand

Awesome

by far the best cd to come out since deloused

Horrible, disgusting piece of drivel. If you want good modern music check out Boards of Canada

Interestingly enough, all of the negative comments I have read in reviews have to do with the Mars Volta "showing off" or being "pretentious". Just because the lyrics are not blatantly obvious does not mean they are "showing off", it means they are "artistic". Just because most people are too ignorant and stale to appreciate abstract poetry does not mean that the Mars Volta fail as musicians. The album pushes the boundaries of the floundering rock scene and has once again awoken creativity and art in music. "Cassandra Gemini" should be a dull 31 minute listen but is not that. The track begins intense, then slowly drifts into a dream like state before battling back. Then the track quickly drifts into this "dream world" (marked by the sloppy piano) before shifting course into a new world. Almost the entire 30 minutes is alive and enjoyable. I would have spent the money for that track alone. One criticism I have is "L'via l'vasquez" was a little too "traditional classic rock" for me and "Widow" was an obvious commercial track. The first and fifth track make this album an undeniable 10.… Expand

it takes time to enjoy it as much as DLITC, which tok some time as well. the more i listen the more i like. the mute will talk, give'm time.

As moving and stunning as "De-loused". Mars further displays their remarkable talent and musical vision. Anyone who dislikes this album should go back to driving there safe economical mid-sided sedan and listening to nice safe top 40 radio hits.

haha i just had to stick up for that album. it's funny how every negative review here is from pitchfork homepage college freshmen :-P

This is the best damn cd ever made mother fuckers!

Dont judge this album unless you have listened to it many times. you also have to listen to the whole thing at once, which can be a challenge at 76 minutes of music. When i first listened to it i thought it was crap, but after repeated listenings i found it was great, not as good as de-loused, though.

Mars Volta never stops amazing me.. they're right up there with tool!

It is awesome! Something different and refreshing, finally!

As with any good piece of art, this work is open to interpretation and apllication.... The very things that turn me onto this album are probably the things that turn most people off. It is frustrating, but this is the way of art. This album speaks to me (even without being able to understand the words)... it is everything that is good about art; progressive, aggressive, innovative and emotional (and not to mention these guys are unbelievable musicians). It is at least on par with deloused, but due to its complexity a few more listens may elevate it's standing.… Expand

Hey, it's a good one. Take out the ambience after the Widow and I'd make it a ten. The ambience on Miranda is perfect though. I've never done any drugs in my life, but if I were on drugs and put this album on, I'd be in another universe. Or maybe I already am. Who knows?

our generations pink floyd

This album kicks! If your a musician or a poet, this album is enjoyable. Those few who chose this album because of reviews and peer pressure should be aware of the intellegence and musical skill of the Mars Volta. There is a new era approaching and The Mars Volta is the Alexander.

I love it so much and its amazing! What I really love is that they put their hearts and souls into this album. Unlike other bands, The Mars Volta didn't just put it out to sell it. I was really surprise of the outcome of this cd. I love the mars volta!!!!

Arguably, one of the most disappointing CDs I've purchased ever!!!! 80% of it is mangled crap.... message to TMV, you're not Pink Floyd, never will be.

This album is a breath of fresh air amidst the stagnant idiotic fluff that tries to pass itself off as music nowadays. Pop tartlets and angst ridden pseudo-guitarists/songwriters come a dime a dozen, but Cedric and Omar have taken music and made it flesh that feeds the soul.

I feel bad for the reviewers giving this album a 0. This album can't be listened to passively. You have to fully immerse yourself within Mars Volta's world and let the music take you by storm. Dissecting the lyrical poetry opens the door to this world. Once this is done, put the album on repeat, nonstop, and then let me hear your review. I like Deloused...but since I got a hold of this album I am now offically a Mars Volta junky.… Expand

Music at its best. Beautiful

one of the best albums i have ever heard no doubt!

Second only to Deloused!!!

This is amazing. There's no sense in making any comments, this record is like boat ride. You can't go out in the middle of it...

I think it's pretty much you either love or hate The Mars Volta. I love them. The reason this stuff doesn't make sense is because they were all tripping on acid when they wrote this. And it does have a point. It's about a guy's diary they found. I think L'via L'Viaquez is relaly good. Actually, all of it is really good. If you like Pink Floyd and Psychedlic music in general, go buy this.… Expand

this album is the definition of perfection. for those of you nay sayers, you obviously aren't intelligent enough to understand the concept of something beutiful

An orgasm for your ears....

this band was better 30 years ago when it was called Yes. anyone who thinks this record is mind blowing is woefully inexperienced with modern progressive music.

This album is flawed, but is better than the debut especially on L'Via, best song ever!

Unbelievable. I can listen and listen and listen. It's thick, it's heavy and it drives.

composition, lyrics, musicianship...this is music at its most imaginative and daring; no matter what genre you prefer. that mars volta enjoys such depricating reviews from indie and "popular" music critics demonstrates, not the volta's lack of craft or artistry, but the mediocrity which prevails regardless of venue. if you prefer a passive listening experience, without provocation then i suggest sniffing j-lo's newest scent while bobbing along to timbland's recycled, over-produced, rhythm tracks. but , if you want to be challenged by music that demands your attention, this is the best of the best. you do not have to understand it, or speak spanish, you simply have to roll up your sleeves and prepare to get dfferent!… Expand

The Mars Volta just might be the best kept secret in the sub main stream scene. I only turn those who can appreciate the music loose onto their 2 and 1/2 albums. Frances the mute is far more ambitious than the previous releases. It's useless to analyze it track by track, it is a masterpiece. There are high points of course, the pure energy in the widow, shifting modes in the first track, and the haunting lyrics on Miranda. Excellent… Expand

A highly ambitious venture from mainstream that fully comes togther as the best album thus far in their careers. Hats off to you, Volta...

If you have the time to let it in, this album will certainly prove itself as an amazing accomplishment.

The Mars Volta seem to think they are genius but they are just good. They really have talent but they could be a bit more modest.

I've taken better shits than this.

An excellent and genius album, although it almost seems like work to listen to it. You kind of have to set aside some time to try and absorb it. Works for some people, though not so much for me. I prefer 'de-loused'.

Brilliant. A Masterpeice.

The parts with singing are great, but the other stuff is a bit too long

Never have a herd a band with so much more of an understanding of music than even the greats. Not only do I think this is the best album i own, but the best I've ever heard. If TMV comes to town, GO SEE THEM. do not deprive yourselves of the best concert you'll see

this album i hear people say is pretentious but thats bull this album rocks and puts you into a trance type setting to keep that flaring psyche and interrogative type of settig with its fast guitar riffs indian influence spanish influence salsa hard rock metal and blues is noticable to....to say its a concept album is dumb since every album must have a concept....it may be revieved as a concept because people are at lack of a better word since its so hit them in the face withe xcitement....rockon volta… Expand

Infectious and very very creative stuff. The sound is hard to classify. Stop trying to. Instead, pop it in your music player and have some fun.

One of the best albums around from one of the best bands of our day.

i loved it,everything fits really nice, an excellent eray of sounds,very creative and well produced. you really just can feel the passion behind there music

This album is electrifyingly awesome.

Do you like Pink Floyd, Fugazi, the Lyres, Queen, Jeff Buckley and Cuban Jazz? Why not put it all in a blender and pour it into the top of your skull? Carefull...you might want to make room first. Contents under pressure!

This cd has blown me away, the mars volta are one of the best bands out there right now. L'Via L'viaquez is my favorite song, I have meorized it all, even though its in spanish.

This is an awsome album. I'm actually listening to Scabdates right now. They really are pushing the musical envelope. I look forward to what they will do next!

I love it.

You gotta hope these guys didnt set out to record some kind of latin jazz rock "masterpiece" that no one would "get" but it seems like a lot of people are buying into that and Im sure the bands not going to complain and neither would I. L'via is a good tune although overproduced like everything else on the album. Frances The Mute is flashy and trippy but not very good musically in my opinion and Im not talking about playing fast or in different time signatures. I think these guys tried to skip a couple steps in their musical evolution. Hopefully theyll take a step back because God knows theyre talented and could create something that really does warrant being compared to Zeppelin IV.… Expand