Fans of The Mars Volta may be expecting this sophomore CD to be somewhat like De-loused In the Comatorium. Don't go there. With the unveiling of Francis the Mute, The Mars Volta has shown its chameleon-like ability to change from one style to the next without blinking an eye. Die hard fans will appreciate the change and stick around for the ride, while those that liked the style of the first CD may be prone to stray.
One could say that singer-lyricist Cedric Bixler-Zavala and producer-guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez have strayed themselves and produced a project that only a few will understand, yet all are able to understand the message. Yes, this CD does have a message and it's one that a large percentage of the populace, attracted to this genre, can understand. Family is made up of the people in your life that care about you; not necessarily tied by blood.
The concept for Francis the Mute was the creation of late bandmate Jeremy Ward. From a journal he found in a repo car, that detailed the author's search for his biological parents, Jeremy pieced together the rock story detailed in this CD. The titles for each song are taken directly from the names of characters in the journal; each pointing the author in the direction of his parents. "It's a story of abandonment and addiction," according to Cedric. "As to whether any of it really happened is not certain, that's something best suited for the listener to figure out, we can only provide the pieces."
The drama is provided both in the story and in the music. The listener may have trouble picking out which pieces carry the story along. This project was written with no breaks. Songs flow from one to the next much like watching a movie. Although, unlike a movie, there are several songs that are divided into movements which make it like a symphony.
The Mars Volta doesn't fit into any one genre such as hard rock or emo, but consists of a large combination of various genres that you either like or dislike. Francis the Mute is broken into parts that are easy to like with others being very easy to dislike. Below is the list of tracks. Luckily, you can jump from one to the next if the prior movement doesn't do it for you.
1. Cygnus
2. The widow (actually getting play time on various stations around the US)
3. L'via L'viaquez
4. Miranda that ghost just isn't holy anymore
5. Cassandra Gemini
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis March 2005Reviewed by Peter VenessFirst, a minor piece of housekeeping: while there are 12 tracks on Frances The Mute, this work should be treated in five separate yet connected parts made of 15 movements, as the band suggests with their chapter and verse tracklisting. Now, onward we go. The core of The Mars Volta, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, carry preternatural technical abilities, which are on display from…Decapolis March 2005Reviewed by Luke KruseWelcome to a world of extreme hair, ambient noise, 30 minute "suites," dying friends, and bizarre lyrics inspired by mysterious journals. Welcome to the world of The Mars Volta. It is hard to write a review on this incredibly talented band that does not rehash what you have likely read countless times before: Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez dissolve beloved El Paso, Texas post-punk…Similar sounding releases
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