Frances The Mute
by The Mars Volta
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 348
  3. Negative: 37 out of 348

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  1. JohnD
    Aug 18, 2006
    2
    Great moments instead of hits? Translation: 87 seconds of awesomeness in a song that's 10+ minutes long. These guys have the ability to make some great music...but seeing as how they already did when they were called At The Drive-In, purchasing more of Cedric and Omar's output (and let's face it, those are the only two members of MV that you care about) is questionable. Great moments instead of hits? Translation: 87 seconds of awesomeness in a song that's 10+ minutes long. These guys have the ability to make some great music...but seeing as how they already did when they were called At The Drive-In, purchasing more of Cedric and Omar's output (and let's face it, those are the only two members of MV that you care about) is questionable. "Deloused" actually had a center to its madness; if you were willing to read the story that went with the album, most of the music made sense (and it also had 2 good songs that were 10 minutes when taken together, "Inertiatic ESP" and "This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed"). "Frances the Mute"...I thought I liked it for the longest time. But it's just smoke and mirrors. Investing time in it does not reward the listener. I've owned it for a year; trust me, there is no cohesive center to Frances's concept. Omar shreds, and Cedric strains his vocal chords, which is cool, since they're good at what they do. But they both need short leashes. Cedric's vocals are great, but too often, they're resting on lyrics that just flat-out suck (and occasionally disguising them with Spanish). Omar's a beast on guitar, filling each song with licks that would make the guys at Daddy's Junk Music shops around the US crap their pants, but Led Zep didn't rely on Plant doing a million and two licks a song; guitar solos need scrutinizing as much as any other part of the total package ("Outside of its awesomeness, WHAT DOES THIS CHORD ACCOMPLISH?"). In other words, Omar is an extremely talented guitarist, but a terrible musician. "L'Via "L'Viaquez" stands as the only song of note on here, but even L'Via doesn't know when to quit. Why not give it a zero, then? Well, three reasons. One: NO MUSIC DESERVES A ZERO, because every band gets at least one thing right on an album (why else would they release it?). Two: If you want to stay pissed off at someone and need some fuel, "Frances The Mute" will keep you pissed (that's a compliment. Really.). Three: "L'Via". Their new album is coming out soon, and I'm pretty sure my brother is going to buy it for the sole reason that he hasn't been to a music store in a while. The grapevine says that the Volta haven't changed their sound around at all, that "Amputexture" is going to get a million more idiots play awkward riffs on their guitars and attempt to pass it off as "avant-garde". Well, fuck.… Expand
  2. David
    Jan 23, 2007
    1
    The emperor has no clothes. Anyone that tells you they like this has NO musical taste or is flat out lying. Never ever listen to them again. In fact cut them out of your lives, you have no need for such lies/ignorance. To like this is to become a slave to your pretension.
  3. IanB
    Mar 28, 2007
    9
    Sean P speaks wisdom. I actually prefer this to comotorium. The only reason this doesn't score a 10 is because a couple slower sections are too drawn out *cough*chirpfrogs*cough*.
  4. JustinH.
    Jan 22, 2008
    0
    This album is absolute garbage. Picture the worst elements of both Rush and Santana and spread the heap out far enough to cover 77 minutes and you'll have a good idea of what you're getting into. Some of the tracks, like "L'Via L'Viaquez" are laugh out loud funny, while others (such as the allegedly homoerotic "The Widow) are just plain boring. If this sounds like This album is absolute garbage. Picture the worst elements of both Rush and Santana and spread the heap out far enough to cover 77 minutes and you'll have a good idea of what you're getting into. Some of the tracks, like "L'Via L'Viaquez" are laugh out loud funny, while others (such as the allegedly homoerotic "The Widow) are just plain boring. If this sounds like innovative new music to you, then welcome to the 70's.… Expand
  5. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    3
    It will give you an absolutly terrible headache. The Widow is its only redeaming song.
  6. ChristianK
    Dec 18, 2005
    8
    Frances is a stepping stone to what Volta hopefully will become. Of course they have to compete with all the genious prog bands of the past, but this could finally be the start of some good music. They have the lyrics, the sound, and the soul of a great band that knows how to twist the tendrils of ones mind. If you can't apreciate the power that is volta, drop some kind of Frances is a stepping stone to what Volta hopefully will become. Of course they have to compete with all the genious prog bands of the past, but this could finally be the start of some good music. They have the lyrics, the sound, and the soul of a great band that knows how to twist the tendrils of ones mind. If you can't apreciate the power that is volta, drop some kind of psychadelic and come back to it, a revitalizing of the failed generation that was the 60s. Maybe we'll suceed this time.… Expand
  7. AriK.
    Oct 23, 2005
    8
    The problem with a lot of these critics is that they give the album one quick listen and that's it. They are just looking for songs they can play in the car. But not all bands are just easy listening music and background music. If you sit down with some headphones and actually listen to this cd, you'll notice that it may not be a masterpiece or the best album ever written, but The problem with a lot of these critics is that they give the album one quick listen and that's it. They are just looking for songs they can play in the car. But not all bands are just easy listening music and background music. If you sit down with some headphones and actually listen to this cd, you'll notice that it may not be a masterpiece or the best album ever written, but there is something in it that no one else is daring to do. Whether you want to call it mindless noodling at times, the album works as an album. It's the style you can disagree with, but don't come out and say that your little brother could pull off the same stuff. That's just disrespectful.… Expand
  8. DeboA
    Oct 23, 2005
    8
    Definately an alternative to Music(k); even an alternative to Alternative Music(k). The Mars Volta has taken Mucisk to another dimension; the dimension of dementia. Whilst this is not something that will appeal to the masses, its definately Good Music(k).
  9. DavidS
    Dec 7, 2005
    8
    Some awesome stuff interspersed with some great ecclectics, though they do get a littlannoying after a while
  10. RobD
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    amazing album. simply mind blowing.
  11. StevenM
    Feb 27, 2005
    6
    4 great songs, one good one (The Widow) but so much unlistenable, pointless filler too. I still believe their best is yet to come.
  12. Jason
    Feb 27, 2005
    9
    Psychadelic salsa jazz = orgasmic. A more than worthy follow-up to Deloused. Oh my god, Cassandra Gemini...
  13. BigDubyaM
    Feb 27, 2005
    8
    One has to look at this album not as a "post-harcore" or even "rock" album,, but instead as just a "prog" album. So you can all quit complaining about pretentiousness - its the nature of the genre, and if you don't like it, its the same as not liking rap or country or whatever - personal preference. In fact I admire TMV for breaking free of their ATDI pop expectations, and doing One has to look at this album not as a "post-harcore" or even "rock" album,, but instead as just a "prog" album. So you can all quit complaining about pretentiousness - its the nature of the genre, and if you don't like it, its the same as not liking rap or country or whatever - personal preference. In fact I admire TMV for breaking free of their ATDI pop expectations, and doing something REALLY original. Frances is WAY better than De-loused - no longer is it a random collection of way-over-produced songs that sound more like a nerdy kid with effects. Instead its the sound of a band in full stride, capturing all of their stage energy, and more importantly, improvisation skill. Led Zeppelin did it, and no one complained. However I see TMV more as the successors of Yes and the Mahavishnu Orchestra than Zeppelin. The only low points in this album are the long segues into ambience at the beginning of Miranda and end of The Widow. Also the lyrics ARE ridiculous.… Expand
  14. PretentiousKarp
    Feb 27, 2005
    1
    I give them a 1 for knowing how to play their instruments and have technical ability. Other than that, here is another overblown pretentious piece of let's outdue another sucky band in Rush karp. I mean really all you have to do is look at the song titles. The best thing about the album is the cover. Pretty pathetic. But what's more pathetic is the fact that all these MTV kiddie I give them a 1 for knowing how to play their instruments and have technical ability. Other than that, here is another overblown pretentious piece of let's outdue another sucky band in Rush karp. I mean really all you have to do is look at the song titles. The best thing about the album is the cover. Pretty pathetic. But what's more pathetic is the fact that all these MTV kiddie watchers are thinking this band is the God of Music just because they wank like no others........oh.......and they know how to technically play beyond 2 or 3 power chords and sing with the help of "How To Write Pretentious Lyrics 101 That Nobody But You Who Will Truly Understand". This kinda thing hasn't happened since the days of Dave Matthews. Boy their fans are dumb.… Expand
  15. Mark
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    Fulfils the vision that Deloused only hinted at, comparatively speaking. Before listening I would have deemed it impossible for them to create a more genuine, passionate, inventive and spontaneous revitalisation of prog rock than Deloused. But to call (and categorise) this album as 'prog' is to do it a major injustice. It transcends the boundaries of any genre, freeing itself Fulfils the vision that Deloused only hinted at, comparatively speaking. Before listening I would have deemed it impossible for them to create a more genuine, passionate, inventive and spontaneous revitalisation of prog rock than Deloused. But to call (and categorise) this album as 'prog' is to do it a major injustice. It transcends the boundaries of any genre, freeing itself from the stereotypes and mental connotations that all of us associate with them. Quite sincerely, this is in a league of its own, and there are increasingly few artists that you can honestly say that about nowadays.… Expand
  16. JaredG
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    I don't feel it is as good as DITC but how can you really top De-loused?
  17. YuckYuck
    Feb 28, 2005
    0
    Yuck.
  18. EightFive
    Feb 28, 2005
    7
    Disappointingly unsurprising, yet still good. A bit contrived, and bit generic at times, following either no song structure or generic song structure, but with enough chops to be listenable (as long as you can fast forward).
  19. GregC
    Feb 28, 2005
    8
    Brilliant at points, but horribly overlong...
  20. JonW
    Feb 28, 2005
    7
    Big ups to the guy who said that The Mars Volta are the Led Zeppelin of our time. Forget all of the misguided Rush/Santana pigeonholing, because one can't help coming away from a MV live show without thinking of the Zep. Frances the Mute is not as immediate as Deloused, but the production is better, and their intrumental prowess is astounding. I'm giving this a seven because Big ups to the guy who said that The Mars Volta are the Led Zeppelin of our time. Forget all of the misguided Rush/Santana pigeonholing, because one can't help coming away from a MV live show without thinking of the Zep. Frances the Mute is not as immediate as Deloused, but the production is better, and their intrumental prowess is astounding. I'm giving this a seven because this album definitely lacks focus and seems to run out of ideas at times, but it's impossible for anyone who listens to this album to not be left drooling over the thought of hearing songs from this album live. I saw MV twice on the Deloused tour, and both times I was ejaculating profusely.… Expand
  21. SleazyF
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    I think they are definitely the Led Zeppelin of our day and just like Zeppelin
  22. dakefu
    Mar 11, 2005
    2
    A user review previously gave this a 10, saying "This is the 21st century Mahavishnu Orchestra with a Zepplin influence." It's on that very argument that I give this a 2. It's pretense and crap held together by the band's cutting-edge reputation.
  23. CraigC
    Mar 11, 2005
    10
    this album is brilliant. Anyone who thinks otherwise is too closeminded to understand it. Comparing it to At the Drive in, other rock bands, or bands 30 yrs. ago is retarded. They are doing something that has never been done before. That is what makes Frances the Mute so amazing.
  24. AlanR
    Mar 1, 2005
    8
    Not as good as their first but still quality. Where are you, Mr. Rubin?
  25. Potsos
    Mar 1, 2005
    9
    This album stands shoulder to shoulder to De-Loused in the Comatorium (taking into account the fact that DitC is a literal masterpiece.) This would have been a 10, losing a half point only for the gratuitous soundscapes between songs and/or movements -- half of which actually do add to the album, but some, like the end of The Widow, are a bit tedious. That was a long sentence, but not This album stands shoulder to shoulder to De-Loused in the Comatorium (taking into account the fact that DitC is a literal masterpiece.) This would have been a 10, losing a half point only for the gratuitous soundscapes between songs and/or movements -- half of which actually do add to the album, but some, like the end of The Widow, are a bit tedious. That was a long sentence, but not longer than the songs on this album. However, when listening to FTM, it's less which track is playing and more which sound unfolds in your ear. This album is impossibly ambitious ... and The Mars Volta hold the reigns firmly. Doubtlessly, some unenlightened critics will toss pitchforks at the entire concept, likely dismissing FTM in flowery, pretentious quasi-wit, (see?) but they will be hopelessly off the mark. You'd do well to pay $8.99 for the track L`Via L`Viaquez alone -- the fattest arena-rock riffery since ... since nothing. The ghost of a Puerto Rican Led Zeppelin walks tonight. (It should be noted that Omar Rodriguez-Lopez busts out some seriously huge, Page-like soloing on this album. It's the only thing I was really, REALLY surprised to hear -- and after disgestion, it just adds to his sophomore-era legend.) For me, the tracks that left me in a Mars Volta-induced shell shock were L`Via and Cygnus and the others are still moving, but sprawled out over a much bigger canvas (save Widow). I've listened to this album exactly once now, so I'll refrain from bullshitting my way through a real introspective review, but I'll tell you that the other half point deduction was that my attention span doesn't allow to fall in love with 30 minutes songs, no matter how hard I try. The second best album from the best band in the world. Another masterwork. Viva Mars Volta!… Expand
  26. MannyA
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Amazing, even better than "De-Loused..." These guys are brilliant.
  27. PaulT
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Incredible... Just blew me away... The Mars Volta have done it again
  28. StevenD
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    Best album I have heard in years.
  29. JiggaJames
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    Although I like the more structured Mars Volta on Deloused.. I find that I can't stop listening to this album. It's music done on an epic scale with several moments of emotional musical bliss.
  30. Tristan
    Mar 15, 2005
    10
    Fantastic, even though I missed the concert this makes up for it in a massive way
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2005
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    It's already the most riveting album of 2005--provided you're ready to carve a wide enough hole in your consciousness to accept it. [Mar 2005, p.130]
  2. Filter
    68
    Frances the Mute documents the Mars Volta as a passionate and explosive band that has grown capable of taking the music in a hundred different directions. [#14, p.96]
  3. Spin
    91
    Frances explores an explosive groove Comatorium only implied. [Mar 2005, p.83]
See all critic reviews »