The Mars Volta - De-Loused In The Comatorium
AKA what Cedric and Omar did next. This was the first album from Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez' post-At The Drive In outfit and expectations were high considering how highly regarded their previous band was.
Things start off gently with Son Et Lumiere, a short ambient track which basically serves as an introduction to lead single, Inertiatic ESP. It's a chaotic, rhythmically pulsing beast of a track which explodes with energy. Its 'now I'm lost' refrain is glorious. This sets the tone for the rest of the album. We're in chaotic yet accessible art punk territory here, although it has more in common with the rawer In Casino Out than the pristine and slick Relationship Of Command. There are some nice jazzy touches throughout the record, although this style was explored more on subsequent albums.
The excellent Darkship Of Lanterns features intricate guitar work and a salsa groove. Take The Veil Cerpin Text is the closest they get to replicating Relationship Of Command. It isn't all frantic however, as the slow and moody Televators provides a welcome change of pace.
The bonus track, Ambuletz, is a weak, lo fi experimental track, although this is the only misstep on a very good album.
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