Anyone can agree that the Mars Volta is one of the most controversial progressive rock bands of this day and age. With its experimentation with sounds and psychedelic jamming found throughout its albums, the Volta has escalated through the roof as aficionados of story-telling music.
The band’s new album, “The Bedlam in Goliath,” holds true as a personal story it wanted to share as a way of lifting the burden of excessive energy hanging around them and channeling it to their listeners.
The returning Volta founders, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez on guitar and production, and Cedric Bixler-Zavala on vocals and lyrics, are accompanied by their team of fabulous musicians, including their new drummer, Thomas Pridgen. Be sure to listen to the hidden effects of John Frusciante, one of the four Red Hot Chili Peppers and a regular Volta album contributor on guitar. “Goliath” can be compared to a beefed up, out-of-control version of the last album, “Amputechture,” which was one of the albums that the band decided to deny the help of famed producer Rick Ruben, and set out on its own to find a collection of sounds.
The new album’s central theme is based around a Ouija board that band member Omar found in Jerusalem to give to Cedric, which in turn brought him and the band bad luck while recording the album. This led him to bury it in order to rid him of the negative energy that was causing such turmoil in the recording process.
Almost giving up on its fourth studio project that Volta leader Omar called a “quantum entanglement,” “The Bedlam in Goliath” was released on Jan. 29 on Universal Records, peaking at three, the band’s first work on the billboard charts. The theme of the album, passing on a burden of the band member’s deceased Ouija board to the listener, follows a series of emotions that are weaved through sets of songs. Tracks named “Goliath,” “Cavelettas” and “Ouroborous” all contain competitive drum rolls, ear-exploding crescendos and wailing vocals offered by lead singer Bixler-Zavala that keep the listener distracted only by what they’re hearing through the Mars Volta. More relaxed songs from the new album include “Ilyena” and “Tourniquet Man,” creating elements of redemption, sadness and confined solitude of epic proportion, but in a good way that won’t leave you feeling too heavy with the band’s emotional burdens after hearing each one of the songs.
Each of the members of The Mars Volta have once again topped themselves with a carefully constructed fourth album. Known for its tours with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, creative live shows and collaborations with famous musicians and producers, this band is not one to miss if you have an opportunity to see it. Fortunately for Dallas music fans, the Volta will be performing tonight at the Palladium Ballroom. If you haven’t purchased your tickets, drop everything you’re doing and make sure to go see the Mars Volta’s one-night stop in D-town; the band’s music will skyrocket you into outer space, just like its name suggests.
