Search - The Mars Volta :: Frances the Mute

A review from a seasoned Mars Volta Fan

Adrian G. Calleros | Modesto, CA, USA | 09/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been scanning most of these reviews and have noticed many people were positive about this album but for reasons other than the actual music and instead trying to push an image of musical superiority. People saying "this is an acquired taste" are merely scaring away casual listeners from listening to this jewel of an album. I was also appalled to see a lot of 1-star reviews. The people who said this album was "pretentious crap" however are also seeing it for its image instead of the actual music. Now you may have noticed I gave this album a 4-star rating for the same complaints as everyone else, lengthy ambient noise. Pink Floyd did this as well but no one complained much because it was kept relatively short, however the infamous Cassandra Gemini track is mostly ambient noise. Unfortunately, most of the reviewers are complaining about one track on this great album. Cygnus, The Widow, and L'Via L'Viaquez are very good songs which explore Latin funk music. To summarize, don't ignore this album for one track while the rest is great. Have your own opinion and keep an open mind. Hipsters aren't the only people who listen to the Mars Volta, don't destroy this band because of an image which may or may not follow them; concentrate on the music."