Amputechture - Mars Volta (The) > Reviews > Amputechture, A Review

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Some really original work, emotional and thought - provoking .
Disadvantages:	No real concept, wearing .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have to say, I don't get as much out of this album as I do from 'de-loused...', or 'frances...'.

The first thing to be noted about this album is its lack of structure as compared to the previous two albums. Indeed, if the title is split to 'amputate' and 'architecture'...well, you get the picture. Instead of a solid concept, it seems to have a mixture of different themes. As for the nature of these, I leave it up to you to decipher the complex world of Cedric, Omar, et al.

In terms of sound quality, I think it sounds great, as TMV's usually do. I am always recommending people to use good quality headphones for serious listening, but for this album it really is an essential- the soundstaging is simply superb.

Vicarious Atonement- A very mellow start to the album, at over 7 minutes will deter casual listeners. Pink-Floydian.

Tetragrammaton- A 16 minute epic that signals the real start of the album. Contains some great guitar work and also some jazzy interludes.

Vermicide- A solid track, the most accessible on the album. Builds to a good climax.

Meccamputecture- Seems to be made from a variety of different sections. Groovy but not many memorable moments.

Asilos Magdalena- Fantastic work on the classical guitar. Spanish Lyrics. Adds a welcome break.

Viscera Eyes- Arguably the best track on album. Fast and engaging.

Day of the Baphomets- Another cracker. Includes a fantastic bass solo to start.

El Ciervo Vulnerado- A mellow but emotional end. Includes lots of spacy sound effects. A bit long.

I have to say, I don't get as much out of this album as I do from 'de-loused...', or 'frances...'. I think this album is more suited to 'selective' listening, i.e. one track at a time, rather than listening to the whole album, which I found wearing.

While I would recommend those new to the Mars Volta to start with De-Loused, this is a welcome addition to any progressive rock collection.