What makes El Bien Y Mal Nos Une by Omar Rodríguez-López notable?

The album received attention for its unconventional approach to progressive rock, blending various genres and showcasing Rodríguez-López's unique vision. It contributed to his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist within the genre, influencing other musicians seeking to break from traditional rock norms. By the time 'El Bien Y Mal Nos Une' was released in 2016, Omar Rodríguez-López had already established himself as a prolific artist with multiple solo projects alongside his work in The Mars Volta. This album came shortly after the disbandment of The Mars Volta, marking a period of artistic exploration and a dive into more experimental sounds.

Who is El Bien Y Mal Nos Une for?

El Bien Y Mal Nos Une works well if you're into steady pacing with surprising twists, brief interludes enhance flow and kaleidoscopic sound exploration.

How many songs are on El Bien Y Mal Nos Une?

El Bien Y Mal Nos Une has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

El Bien Y Mal Nos Une

Omar Rodríguez-López · 2016

36 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A surreal blend of progressive rock textures and eclectic instrumentation that challenges traditional song structures.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Acuérdate — This track features intricate guitar work layered over complex rhythms, exemplifying Rodríguez-López's signature style while also showcasing emotional depth in its composition.
→
Un acto de fe — With its dynamic shifts and haunting melodies, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of faith and existential themes, making it a standout piece.
→
Humor sufí — This track combines elements of Eastern music with progressive rock, highlighting Rodríguez-López's ability to fuse diverse influences into a cohesive narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic instrumentation and complex structures create a unique sound within progressive rock.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as strings and electronic elements, which blend seamlessly with traditional rock instruments.
The sequencing of the tracks varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces building to climactic moments while others maintain a more subdued atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with surprising twists
brief interludes enhance flow
kaleidoscopic sound exploration
thoughtful listening during quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer predictable song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'El Bien Y Mal Nos Une' was released in 2016, Omar Rodríguez-López had already established himself as a prolific artist with multiple solo projects alongside his work in The Mars Volta. This album came shortly after the disbandment of The Mars Volta, marking a period of artistic exploration and a dive into more experimental sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: The Mars Volta· King Crimson· Porcupine Tree