Wax Simulacra
The Mars Volta · 2007
6 min · 2 tracks · progressive rock
A frenetic blend of progressive rock and experimental sounds, driven by intricate rhythms and ethereal vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wax Simulacra — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its explosive energy and intricate layering, showcasing the band's hallmark complexity and emotive delivery.
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Pulled to Bits — This track highlights a darker, more introspective side of the band, featuring haunting melodies that complement its lyrical themes of disintegration and loss.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases intricate rhythms and a unique vocal style, marking it as a standout in progressive rock.
What we noticed
- Vocals are layered with effects, often intertwining with the instrumentation rather than standing apart, contributing to an immersive soundscape.
- The second track introduces a slower pace with a more subdued arrangement, contrasting sharply with the frenetic energy of the first.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a tighter sound while embracing innovative elements within progressive rock.
- Themes
- disintegration of identity· ethereal soundscapes· post-modern alienation
- Career context
- Released in January 2007, Wax Simulacra marked The Mars Volta's return following their ambitious double album Frances the Mute. This album showcases a tighter, more focused sound while still embracing their signature avant-garde style, indicating a phase of refinement in their artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- At the Drive-In· Coheed and Cambria· The Dear Hunter
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wax Simulacra 2:39
- 2 Pulled to Bits 3:33
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Mirrored
Battles
Similar complex rhythms and experimental soundscapes, blending math rock with a sense of ethereal exploration.
Act II: The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading
The Dear Hunter
Equally ambitious narrative themes and intricate compositions that explore identity through progressive structures.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Shares a focus on modern alienation with dense textures and a mix of heavy and atmospheric elements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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