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THE REVIEW
Having started impressively with their first album, "Deloused in the Comatorium," and struggling to reach "Amputechture," it was hard to imagine that The Mars Volta could impress again, yet they have succeeded. Their fourth studio album sounds quite different from their debut: Cedric's voice reaches increasingly higher tones, and his lyrics are ever more cryptic and poetically elusive, while Omar has learned to weave intricate tapestries to compose his music within.
The album begins with the rapid "Aberinkula," a name that recalls a Nigerian tribal drum; it continues with the funky-prog "Ilyena," the sweet and delicate "Tourniquet Man," the aggressive ride of "Ouroboros" (an ancient symbol depicting a snake biting its own tail to form a perfect circle), and it closes with the most beautiful and innovative track of the whole album, "Conjugal Burns." A noteworthy piece is also "Goliath," a perfect mix of blues-rock attitude and prog.
The album brushes against 75 minutes in length, and its themes are related to the afterlife, death, guilt, and atonement. The album marks the entry of Thomas Pridgen into the group, one of the youngest and most talented drummers of the moment, and his musical style provides new life to that of the other musicians (among whom the now ubiquitous John Frusciante should be noted). In short, after the misstep of "Amputechture," The Mars Volta seem to have found themselves again and the way to craft well-made albums. Now we await their definitive consecration.
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Summary by Bot
The Mars Volta's fourth album, The Bedlam In Goliath, marks a strong return after a less successful previous effort. Featuring higher vocal ranges, cryptic lyrics, and intricate compositions, the album blends prog, blues-rock, and funk. New drummer Thomas Pridgen injects fresh energy, while tracks like 'Conjugal Burns' stand out as highlights. The album explores themes of death, guilt, and atonement across nearly 75 minutes of innovative music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Mars Volta
American progressive/experimental rock band formed by Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala (formed from members of At The Drive-In). Known for ambitious concept albums, virtuosic live shows and a blend of prog, psychedelia, post-hardcore and Latin influences.28 Reviews
Other reviews
By paloz
The Bedlam In Goliath truly finds the band’s unmistakable style; it’s THEIR style, now finally unmistakable.
It is much simpler to surrender to this orgasmic tour-de-force, steeped in psychedelia but also in good old hard rock.
By farmit
They present themselves in 2008 with a decidedly more compact and linear album, without putting aside their eclecticism and their eccentricity in composing music.
Ultimately, an excellent album that brings The Mars Volta back to the glory of the first album, confirming them as among the few modern artists who at least strive to offer something new.
