The Mars Volta Go Pop
Octahedron delivers a completely different sound than every other album.
The Mars Volta
Octahedrom
Released on Jun 23, 2009
That title should probably be qualified. This isn’t pop in the same sense that it’ll get played on a Top 40 radio station. It’s The Mars Volta’s own little brand of pop. Octahedron sounds distinctly Mars Volta, but not in a way that any of their other albums do. It’s a little more accessible than, say, The Bedlam in Goliath or Amputechture.
The first single to be released in the US also happens to be the first track on the album. “Since We’ve Been Wrong” is relatively average in length by comparison to some of the band’s earlier work. Clocking in at just over seven minutes, or five and a half if you discount the first minute and a half of complete silence, the song is a microcosm of Octahedron. It begins very soft and slow, almost too simple to be The Mars Volta. Then with about two minutes remaining on the track, the ambiance of the track becomes more robust as Thomas Pridgen comes in on the drums and the bass track fades up.
The single being released in the UK is “Cotopaxi”, which is much more frenetic than “Wrong” and calls to mind the roots of the band. The background is awash in distorted sound while the song is driven by the percussive vocals of Cedric Bixler-Zavala as well as literal percussion and a simple guitar riff and the occasional “wah” guitar. “Cotopaxi” is a good link to the band’s past material, while still fitting in with the overarching sound of Octahedron.
The biggest misstep on an otherwise outstanding album is “Copernicus”. The song just seems to be a complete downer. Its complete lack of energy makes it seem as if the entire band popped a bunch of sleeping pills and then decided, “Let’s write one more today.” There is one point in the song at which it seems like the pace is about to pick up with the introduction of a synthesized beat, but shortly after the energy level starts to rise, the song drops right back down into the dull pace with which it began.
While Octahedron may not be as immediately likeable as Frances the Mute, it definitely will grow on fans over time. After a solid four or five listens it will earn a regular spot in your rotation, and after 9 or 10, it might take over completely, it definitely has for this reviewer. Of course, this is contingent on getting past the occasional drop in tempo. The band has described Octahedron as their acoustic album. Most listeners will call bullshit on that concept almost immediately because electronics are present throughout. Just think of it as acoustic in the same way that it’s pop. It might not be what the strict definition says it should be, but that’s what The Mars Volta is all about.
High Point
"Since We’ve Been Wrong" is a refreshing change from the band's usually frantic music but still maintains their trademark sound.
Low Point
"Copernicus" is slow enough to put you to sleep... and not in a good way.
Posted by Cory Roop on Jul 16, 2009 @ 6:30 am