The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet (13/06/2012)
With their sixth studio Noctourniquet, The Mars Volta have created their most unsettling soundscape yet. Described by Cedric Bixler Zavala as being an album “about embracing life for what it should be,” it’s also the first of their six releases not to feature contributions from former Chili Wili John Frusciante and Isaiah ‘Ikey’ Owens.
It’s fair to say that The Mars Volta divide music listeners. You either love or hate them. Human nature is naturally afraid of what it doesn’t understand, but for those willing to enter the void and listen to the unknown, they’ll find something incredible, yet self-indulgent.
One could argue that this is what makes The Mars Volta’s latest effort such a fantastic listen. They aren’t making this album for a commercial or casual listener, it’s boisterous progressive rock that aims to shock those who are willing to open their minds to a level of music that isn’t normally considered ‘accessible.’ Tracks such as Dyslexicon and clear highlight The Malkin Jewel are evidence of this, the latter providing sheer brilliance with its disconcerting lyrics about rats in the cellar who “form a vermin of steps”.
Elsewhere on the album, slow grooves from Imago and Trinkets Pale Of Moon lull the listener into a false sense of security, but it’s Molochwalker that hits centre target, with it’s no holds barred audible assault. At its core, Noctourniquet is a nightmarish soundtrack that pecks away at reality.
Where in a lot of bands conform themselves to a style or genre of music, The Mars Volta continue to explore and push boundaries so as to define their own sound. You’ll be hard pressed to find another album this year like Noctourniquet. It’s an uncompromising listen, but also a rewarding one for those that stick with it.
Luke Sutton
Follow me on Twitter! - @lukesutton
It’s fair to say that The Mars Volta divide music listeners. You either love or hate them. Human nature is naturally afraid of what it doesn’t understand, but for those willing to enter the void and listen to the unknown, they’ll find something incredible, yet self-indulgent.
One could argue that this is what makes The Mars Volta’s latest effort such a fantastic listen. They aren’t making this album for a commercial or casual listener, it’s boisterous progressive rock that aims to shock those who are willing to open their minds to a level of music that isn’t normally considered ‘accessible.’ Tracks such as Dyslexicon and clear highlight The Malkin Jewel are evidence of this, the latter providing sheer brilliance with its disconcerting lyrics about rats in the cellar who “form a vermin of steps”.
Elsewhere on the album, slow grooves from Imago and Trinkets Pale Of Moon lull the listener into a false sense of security, but it’s Molochwalker that hits centre target, with it’s no holds barred audible assault. At its core, Noctourniquet is a nightmarish soundtrack that pecks away at reality.
Where in a lot of bands conform themselves to a style or genre of music, The Mars Volta continue to explore and push boundaries so as to define their own sound. You’ll be hard pressed to find another album this year like Noctourniquet. It’s an uncompromising listen, but also a rewarding one for those that stick with it.
Luke Sutton
Follow me on Twitter! - @lukesutton