The inventors of the so-called emocore, then united in At The Drive In, but later splintered in Mars Volta and Sparta, released their second album in early 2005. Central figures within Mars Volta are also Omar A Rodriguez-Lopez (guitar) and Cedric Bixler Zavala (vocals) on this record. Frances The Mute has been recorded at eleven different locations and this time produced by Omar herself. The music
… of The Mars Volta is characterized by fierce experimental pieces, a kind of post-prog rock. The tone that was set with the first album, Deloused In The Comatorium, is continued in refined form on this album. And then this time they also sing in Spanish now and then (eg on Facilis Descenus Averni). Some guest musicians were used for this album, such as Chili Peppers members John Frusciante and Flea (on trumpet!). The music goes in all directions, from salsa to metal, to give just one example. The songs last an average of seven minutes and take you on a trip that impresses both rhythmically and structurally. But it remains The Mars Volta; you hate it or you idolize them. (JdD)more
