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The Mars Volta
by
The Mars Volta Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

  • Summary: The first new full-length studio release in 10 years for progressive rock duo The Mars Volta features Caribbean rhythms.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 14, 2022
    100
    This isn’t just a striking return for one of the most individual bands of the last 20 years; it is, musically, an astounding masterpiece. Their finest hour? Quite possibly.
  2. The Quietus
    Sep 14, 2022
    80
    There’s a lot to unpick here. The Mars Volta may well be one to grow on you. This is a record that can make you think a thousand things at once. But if you’re willing to sit and savour the taste before digesting, you’ll understand why it took so long to ferment.
  3. Exclaim
    Sep 14, 2022
    80
    Even for all the newfound sheen, there's nothing on this new self-titled album that necessarily feels out of step with what's come before. ... Anchoring the songs to drum and bass grooves and keyboard loops gives Bixler-Zavala more space to flex his voice; once little more than a high-pitched rebel yell, it's now capable of delivering a rainbow of emotions.
  4. Uncut
    Oct 19, 2022
    80
    The furious cumbia/rock fusion of "Graveyard Love" and the gentler cosmic pop of "Tourmaline" may comprise a new creative apex for these inveterate overachievers. [Dec 2022, p.29]
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  5. PopMatters
    Oct 20, 2022
    80
    The Mars Volta becomes more rewarding with repetition. Despite the outwardly more accessible style, the group has stuffed the record full of interesting musical choices.
  6. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 19, 2022
    70
    Where once they would gallop, here they lope, they slide, giving themselves all the time in the world. Hardcore fans of the weird stuff are going to hate it. ... This is clearly the right music for this stage in their musical evolution. [Nov 2022, p.70]
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  7. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 14, 2022
    64
    The serene aesthetic is undisputedly the selling strength here, but if you’re looking for some of the band’s best creative ideas, you won’t find many of them here. Nevertheless, if you’re wanting a wholesome pop-rock album with plenty of experimentation, you may find a thing or two to like here.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Seattleite
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    Simply put, this is another masterpiece from TMV. A very different animal from anything they've done in the past, but the past is certainlySimply put, this is another masterpiece from TMV. A very different animal from anything they've done in the past, but the past is certainly still present. Every song is shorter and concise, but packed Full of layers, synths and beautifui vocal melodies. This may be their Pop album, but it's definitely just as complex as anything they've done before, and the production is top notch. Not a single moment is wasted here. 10/10… Expand
  2. NagitoKomaeda
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    An intimate, experimental and concise masterpiece from the Volta. One of those examples of less being more.
  4. LuKey107
    Sep 18, 2022
    10
    This takes me back to a new world, a rover mission onexcellence. mArs(on) volt/AGE.
  5. binkso
    Oct 8, 2022
    10
    I didn't think there would be another TMV album, let alone one this good. They came back and made the music they wanted to make not the musicI didn't think there would be another TMV album, let alone one this good. They came back and made the music they wanted to make not the music they were expected to make, and they did it absolutely perfectly.… Expand
  6. B-Chamberlin
    Feb 20, 2023
    10
    A progressive-pop record with many layers to peel back with repeated listens. The beauty on this album is immense, but there are also momentsA progressive-pop record with many layers to peel back with repeated listens. The beauty on this album is immense, but there are also moments of classic volta throughout. Easily the most accessible TMV has ever been.… Expand
  7. acoolguy
    Sep 16, 2022
    9
    Not as good as their first three albums, but a solid addition to the repertoire nonetheless.
    I appreciate the fluid nature of The Mars    Not as good as their first three albums, but a solid addition to the repertoire nonetheless.
    I appreciate the fluid nature of The Mars Volta's sound, them never being content with repeating the same cliches. And, though I prefer the likes of Frances the Mute, it is nice to have a TMV that is all around solid music without any of the fluff... because, for as good as Frances was, 4 minutes of croaking frogs isn't exactly the most exciting prelude for a song.
    Solid album, just be sure to go in expecting a sound akin to their later work (though I'd say it beats out Noctourniquet and Octahedron).    … Expand
  8. AnthonyFantano
    Sep 17, 2022
    5
    Wow. Are these guys still around? I'll give them a light five just for the nostalgia.

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Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed Album of 2022