Octahedron

It saddens me to only give this album a three-star rating but it has to be done. I've been a Mars Volta fan since the start, and an At The Drive-In fan before them. I own all their CDs and love every one, except Octahedron.

First off I must concede that I am a huge fan of their fast, eccentric , energetic and wildly creative music which can be found all throughout their albums. I do however enjoy the balance a quieter, more reflective song creates in the midst of a frenetic storm of music which they usually deliver. This album however is a lot slower and energyless than the previous four.

Sure, this album does still have its qualities but it's not the side of the Mars Volta which I absolutely love with a passion. I've listened to it a few times now and I still end up feeling the same way - disappointed. And that is a terrible feeling to have for a band who always delivered.

There are some other minor qualms which just annoy me, in particular the opening 1 min 30 seconds, which is just pointless (basically inaudible) filler, which they did a lot on Frances the Mute. I'm really not a fan of wasted space in albums and although this only really happens once, it's the opening minute or so, and I have to skip through it everytime.

In conclusion therefore, this is definitely my least favourite album by the Mars Volta, and in my opinion their weakest. It still displays their talents as pioneering musicians, but in a new way which hasn't really shown itself on a regular basis previously. Needless to say I won't choose to listen to this album over any of their previous ones. I really hope this album is a one off and they'll return to making the music I love.

The Mars Volta continually outdo themselves to the point where their albums feel as though you are collection a rare discography of a 1970's King Crimson esque band and you feel as though each time an album comes out, you are adding it to your collection and it sits comfortably and feels as though there is no way the album could have been different.
The album is genius, but of course it was going to be, It had no choice but to suceed, it is written by the band your children will ask you about.

If you already like Mars Volta stop reading and get this masterpiece, if you are unaware of them, get the albums chronologically as I think this will prepare your brain slowly for this.

To sum up, this is musicians music, if you play in a band or produce, you will enjoy the pure depth and beauty this album has uncovered

My first Mars Volta CD and wow, If long term fans think this is only a three star effort then I had to buy the rest. I did and was not disappointed, they are the 21st century King Crimson, each CD is a masterpiece but in my view Octahedron is the best.

I've all of their cds and everyone has it's sound! Even if I prefer the older ones, Octahedron is a great album with great songs and great musicians!

I have to admit it took several listens to get into the new album and I think it's too short and it has too many "empty" intervals.Overall it's a good album I think more approachable to new listeners and less from the harcore fans point of view.