The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta · 2022
44 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of progressive rock and intricate melodies, pulsating with frenetic energy and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Graveyard Love — This track embodies the emotional core of the album, intertwining haunting melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect on love and loss.
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Blacklight Shine Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a vibrant tone with its energetic instrumentation and dynamic shifts that capture the essence of The Mars Volta's signature style.
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Cerulea — With its intricate arrangements and evocative lyrics, this song showcases the band's prowess in blending complex musicality with introspective storytelling.
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Palm Full of Crux — This track features a compelling rhythmic structure and lyrical imagery that encapsulates the thematic exploration of fate and emotion throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic performances, marking a strong return for the band.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in intensity.
- Lyrically, the album explores abstract themes, with verses often delivered in a fragmented style that complements the music's complexity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 for focused listening
- consistent flow with resolution
- intricate rhythms for detail-oriented listeners
- poetic lyricism inviting reflection
- short tracks for transitions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing the band's continued innovation.
- Themes
- love and loss· vibrant rebirth· introspective storytelling
- Career context
- This self-titled album is The Mars Volta's first release in over a decade, following their hiatus after the 2012 album 'Noctourniquet'. The band's return marks a significant moment in their evolution, as they re-emerge to explore new sounds while maintaining their characteristic complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- At the Drive-In· Coheed and Cambria· The Dear Hunter
Tracklist
- 1 Blacklight Shine Start here 2:55
- 2 Graveyard Love 3:14
- 3 Shore Story 3:15
- 4 Blank Condolences 3:27
- 5 Vigil 3:14
- 6 Que dios te maldiga mi corazón 1:41
- 7 Cerulea 3:45
- 8 Flash Burns From Flashbacks 2:38
- 9 Palm Full of Crux 3:37
- 10 No Case Gain 2:41
- 11 Tourmaline 3:34
- 12 Equus 3 4:09
- 13 Collapsible Shoulders 2:24
- 14 The Requisition 4:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Larks' Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson
Shares complex arrangements and a similar blend of introspective lyrics with intricate musicality.
Lateralus
Tool
Explores deep themes of existence and emotional struggle within a progressive rock framework.
In Absentia
Porcupine Tree
Combines vibrant melodies and dark lyrical storytelling, echoing the emotional depth found in The Mars Volta.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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