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much talked out splitting of At the Drive-In has caused
quite the amount of gossip. It seems the band collapsed
under the weight of its own success. Many think that
there are some in the band that did not like the direction
the group seemed to be headed in. If the new material
from The Mars Volta, as compared to Sparta, can be
used as evidence, then there may be some truth to
the speculation.
The Mars Volta are a supercharged super group led
by ex-At the Drive-In members Omar Alfredo Rodriguez-Lopez
and Cedric Bixler Zavala. They were the primary writers
for their popular previous group, and many are wondering
if they can duplicate - or even improve - the sound
of that they were known for. With even a cursory listen
to their new EP, one can easily assess that there
is something special at play here.
The EP begins with a nearly two minute intro of light
drums and synth sounds. It seems to go on forever,
which is frustrating, but at the same time it brings
a sense of tension to the listener. It makes one want
to say, "Ok, come on, let's get with the rocking!"
However, one of the most interesting things about
The Mars Volta seems to be their lack of listener-friendly
appeal, which At The Drive-In seemed to be moving
towards. Not to say their record isn't easy to listen
to, it's just that their sound, as with all great
music, requires a bit of patience.
After the intro, the remainder of "Cut That
City" explodes through the speakers. It's a combination
of frantic guitars, frenzied yet melodic vocals, ear
shattering drums and an abundance of synthesized atmosphere
that all comes together to create an explosive, unique
sound. The influences at play here, and on the rest
of the EP, are quite varied. One picks up hints of
Led Zeppelin, Fugazi, and even a bit of At the Drive-In,
mixed with the rugged soul of Sly and the Family Stone.
It's quite the mix!
When compared to Sparta, the other ex-At the Drive-In
band, there is a world of difference. Sparta's new
EP, as solid as it is, shows them moving towards more
of a straightforward, traditional indie-rock sound.
The writing is good, but something seems a bit too
packaged and pretty about it. The Mars Volta do not
have any of that gloss. Their sound, at least thus
far, is rough, rugged, and raw.
"Concertina" picks up where the first song
leaves off, except it is slightly quieter and more
melodic in tone. It's a mix of solid, but lighter,
instrumentation with truly soulful vocals. There is
a feeling and originality at play here that so many
other bands in the indie scene cannot touch. The third
and final cut off of the EP, "Eunuch Provocateur,"
begins softly with a strong rhythm in the background.
Then, after some bizarre-sounding samples, the bands
shifts gears and rips some of the most powerful rock
seen in years. If one were to imagine a mixture of
Led Zeppelin at its most raucous mixed with the stylings
of Fugazi they may have an idea of what this track
delivers. Even when playing with such intensity, the
vocals somehow manage to stay just as melodic as the
previous tracks as well.
With the release of this EP, The Mars Volta have
quickly become one of the most important bands to
watch in the indie scene. While this record is not
as radio friendly as some of the later At the Drive-In
material, music fans should appreciate the depth and
originality that this group has invested in their
sound.
- Brian,
6/10/02
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