Octahedron Review

Released: Jun 23, 2009
Genre: Progressive rock, experimental rock
Label: Warner Bros., Mercury
Number Of Tracks: 8
The Mars Volta's latest 50 minute epic 'Octahedron' manages to push the boundaries of how far a band may go with a successful standard pop song structure.

Sound:	7.3
Lyrics:	9
Impression:	7.7
Overall rating:	8
Users rating:	8.8
Comments:	28

overall: 7.3

Featured review by: Hendrix_fan_14, on july 02, 2009

Sound: The Mars Volta's latest 50 minute epic 'Octahedron' manages to push the boundaries of how far a band may go with a successful standard pop song structure. While the previous album 'The Bedlam in Goliath' was loud, loud, loud and played at the highest tempo possible, 'Octahedron' sees Omar and co. playing in unfamiliar territory..

'Octahedron' sees the band shedding the personnel of Adrián Terrazas-González and Paul Hinojos who the band have steadily relied on ever since the highly successful prog masterpieces 'De-loused in the Comatorium' and 'Frances the Mute' respectively.

The overall sound sees the band experimenting (surprised?) with a more stripped down song structure. However given the description the casual listener would not expect to see the usual escapades the Mars Volta manage to get up to. Pulsating bass and steady drums set the scene nicely for many of Octahedron's 8 songs. Jazz piano, soft guitar lines until the magnifiencent guitar solo eruption seen in the closing track 'Luciforms'. Acoustic guitars are prevalent which sees Cedric singing more Soulful vocals. However it is the subtle touches like the synth starting off "Since We've Been Wrong" or the King Crimson esque Mellotrons along with the nice harmonisation of Cedric's vocals that make Octahedron an enjoyable listen. However there is a sense of something missing that made De-loused in the Comatoriumso sucessful such as the engaging narrative contained in lyrics which in 'Octahedron' is missing, kidnapped apparently.

But don't get me wrong 'Octahedron' has some of Cedric's best vocals and lyrics he has ever done along with some of their best experimentation // 7

Lyrics and Singing: 'Octahedron' sees Cedric Bixler-Zavala singing about matchsticks and 'fingernail choirs that will make your chalkboard sing.' Cedric's lyrics are definitely on par with his other efforts yet disappointingly lack the same edge seen in their debut. However there are some highlights which will have you singing from dawn to dusk. Did I mention they are catchy? An good example of this is the radio friendly 'Since We've Been Wrong' and 'Copernicus' not too mention the breathtakingly eerie "With Twilight As My Guide" As well as the deathly mantra "Let the wheels burn, let the wheels burn stack the tires to the neck with the body inside. seen in the oval office grunt of 'Teflon'

Unlike other Mars Volta albums the music manages to fit with the lyrics. An escape from the usual Omar composing the music than Cedric fitting lyrics to the music. Octahedron gives the impression of the other way round.

Cedric makes good use with the upper register as well as demonstrating a good ability of lower ballad sounds seen throughout the whole album. I was most impressed with Cedric's contribution to Octahedron. // 8

Impression: While 'Octahedron' is a worthwhile listen it may see the most devoted and obsessed fans shaking their heads from the highly successful use of the pop song structure. However this also has it's pro's as this may tap into the market allowing more people to appreciate their music and hear it from radio ect.

I feel that 'Octahedron' was a once off given that Omar's overused quote of "I want to progress our sound, evolve, blah blah blah" For all I know the next album could be a salsa album (I wish!) 'Octahedron' is a largely worthwhile listen but makes you wish of putting something more worthwhile on such as 'De-loused' ect. Don't let this put you off it though! Soon enough you'll hear Cedric singing about 'Gordian knots' and 'bury me in gold' and what's that? Oh it's Omar combusting for about 2 minutes. Good show. // 7

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Kwyjibo2006, on july 03, 2009

Sound: Well, it's been 18 months since The Mars Volta's last effort, "The Bedlam In Goliath", an album which showcased Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and the rest of the Mars Volta Group at quite simply their craziest. The 76-minute epic of insane songs played at insane speeds was well recieved by critics after the somewhat dissapointing "Amputechture", but "The Bedlam In Goliath" did not fare as well with fans of the band. However, on this, their fifth studio album, entitled "Octahedron", the band has created the biggest contrast with Bedlam, something Cedric dubbed as their "acoustic album". Due to the new direction of the band, Rodriguez-Lopez asked longtime members, saxophonist Adrián Terrazas-González and sound manipulator Paul Hinojos to leave the band, which both did amicably. Some fans may turn away at the fact that this truly is the Volta's equivalent to a "pop album", but probably the most surprising thing about this new direction for the band is that it works. Well.

With the title "Octehedron", it comes as no surprise that their latest effort is 8 songs, and being an album with more pop-structured songs, the songs are much shorter than typical Mars Volta. This results in their shortest album thus far, clocking in at about 50 minutes, considerably shorter than their last three albums. Also, similar to "Amputechture", the album is not driven by one sole concept.

That being said, some fans may miss the 16 minute epics, the jazz freakouts and the random time signature changes found on earlier records. However, with "Octahedron", the Mars Volta have easily created some of their catchiest and most accessible material to date. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Cedric Bixler-Zavala was once described as a man who writes his lyrics by turning a dictionary upside down and using whatever words fall out, and at moments on Octahedron, his lyrics are as incomprehensible as ever. Although his lyrics at times may make little sense (see Halo of Nembutals, which features words such as "carcinogen" and "asp"), "Octahedron" features some of Cedric's best vocal work with the band. The album explores quite a few vocal styles, from the sweetly sung "Since We've Been Wrong" to the eery, Pink Floyd-esque "With Twilight As My Guide". Another hightlight of the album would be "Teflon", a mid-tempo rocker which is easily among the band's catchiest songs. When Cedric sings "let the wheels burn, let the wheels burn, stack the tires to the neck, with the body inside", it may be the most grooving Mars Volta we've seen in a while.

What the Mars Volta have done with this album, is create something where, though still just as cryptic, the lyrics fit the songs perfectly. A simply stellar performance by Cedric on this album. // 9

Impression: While some people will always find The Mars Volta to be just plain noise, one thing you cannot deny is the amazing musicianship found on each and every one of their albums. From the amazing presence and range of Cedric Baxler-Zavala to the phenominal drumwork of Thomas Pridgen, The Mars Volta are still at the top of their game, musically speaking.

"Octahedron" may turn some fans of the band away, with roughly half the album being composed of softer, more acoustic songs, but it most certainly will remind the fans, dissappointed by "Amputechture" and "Bedlam", just what this amazing group is capable of doing. It may not exactly be the "acoustic album" it claims to be(you need only listen to "Cotopaxi" to see that the band will always have that insanity in them), this album is certainly their softest, and just like every Mars Volta album to date, it does take a few listens to fully appreciate. It may not compare to De-loused or Frances, but the Mars Volta are a progressive band, constantly changing their style, and therefore it is impossible to rightfully compare their newer albums to their early work. Fans who are still stuck in 2003 need to realize that it is now 6 years later and that they should move on, exactly as the band has. This album may not be their finest, but it is certainly a great album, and is exactly what the Mars Volta needed to do after the sheer insanity of "The Bedlam In Goliath". Perhaps the band needs the listener, and themselves, to relax before they unleash whatever insanity comes with their next album.

I guess we will all just have to wait and see. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on july 02, 2009

Sound: First thing's first, this is my first review, so don't be expecting anything golden. Right, now with that in mind, on with the more important stuff.

One of the first things you'll notice with Octahedron is the flawless production by Omar Rodríguez-López. Every note and every beat is recorded and mixed with absolute grace and clarity which wonderfully compliments the exploration into the 'softer' side of The Mars Volta's music.

Another noticable aspect of the album is that the somewhat experienced TMV listener will come to realise that this is the band's most accessable album to date. With a much more 'verse-chorus-verse-chorus' structure than previous albums. Although unfortunately while the album may see the band get slightly more time on the radio it does make the album come off like a bunch of B-Sides to The Bedlam In Goliath strung together with a monotonous and ominous synthesiser tone.

Don't get me wrong though, the album definately has some worth-while tracks. 'With Twilight As My Guide' is arguabley the most beautiful thing Omar and Cedric have ever been responsible for creating, and the album does show real growth in that aspect. However the finer efforts tend to get dragged down by some of the more (I can't believe I'm using this word in a Mars Volta review) mainstream tracks, which sound like a very stripped down and restricted form of the band (The track 'Desperate Graves' is a prime example). It is tracks like these on this album which don't really allow the song to develop and blossom as we're used to hearing from The Mars Volta.

Now if someone were to say to me that this is a mainstream rock album executed in The Mars Volta fashion, then taking that into context I would enjoy this album much more, because at least it says what it does on the tin. However no such statement has been made (at least that I'm aware of) so it feels as if I'm meant to accept this album as a genuine offering from the band, which makes me feel a bit more cheated. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: It appears Cedric has really mastered his vocal ability and style on this album, he has proved capable of capturing the same drama and emotion displayed in his vocal 'cries' (for lack of a better phrase) as he can in a whisper (Since We've Been Wrong, With Twilight As My Guide and Copernicus are all representative of this statement.)

As for the lyrics on the album it appears Cedric has finally put down his thesaurus and has begun utilizing more words that the average human being is capable of pronouncing. Although occaisionally a word or two will slip in which causes the mind to boggle. Also I believe that this 'softer' side of the music has resulted in Cedric being able to produce lyrics with more style, grace and poetry than ever displayed in a Mars Volta album before. Overall, I can't really fault this aspect of the album. // 10

Impression: Ideally, this album works best as a sequel to The Bedlam In Goliath. Opposing the 'loud-loud-loud' dynamic of the previous album with a more gentle approach. Similar to how many bands might release albums with an 'acoustic' secondary disc. And in my opinion that is all this album can be taken for.

With 8 tracks clocking in at 50 minutes overall, Octahedron proves to be the band's shortest studio offering yet, which makes me slightly let down if I'm honest. Seeing as the average TMV album clocks in at around 70-75 minutes.

If this album were by any other band I would give it a straight 10, however I've seen the potential and ability that this band has, so with that taken into context, I'll have to mark it down, although it is definately worth a listen. // 8

Comments

[CptRevell]

Album seemed ok. Nothing really stood out to me (other than vocals/melodies). Will be listening again.

[streetlight7]

Def. and album that grows on you. At first i hated it, now I think its great.....plus it includes Mr. Frusciante!

[darb0114]

I agree with street.....my first listen I thought it was just ok, not normal Volta. Now I've been listening for about a week and I love it. Not the best MV album but still good.

What song does Frusciante play on?

[huevos]

It's marvelous. This album is a very subdued TMV, yes, but it's very engaging imo.

[-core]

The album is very different from the others its kind of the slow down album. Omar said in an interview that Octahedron was their 'acoustic' album without the acoustic.

[DontFightTheFoo]

They never seem to disappoint.

[new_age_reject]

50 mins is hardly 'epic'.

[acefecoo]

i think its their best after frances the mute...
i like this album because its shorter..no ****in arounds

[WhereArtEsteban]

I hated Goliath...Every other album is great in my opinion. Should I give this a listen?

[Altered_Carbon]

This is one of their best I think, because there's no bullshit, no "prog for the sake of prog" type playing that can really plague them sometimes. It's defnitely a grower though, spin it a few times and see how you like it.

[HolyYetti]

I didn't like this album as much as their others at first listen, due to the more radio friendly turn they seem to have taken, but it is not without it's charm, and it has grown on me a fair bit

[jj6p]

I really like this album, definitely not as good as Amputechture, Frances or De-Loused, but still good. Besides, for those who are missing the ear-splitting mental Mars Volta, there's El Nuevo Grupo de Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Omar and Cedric's side-project with Hella. You should give "Cryptomnesia" a listen.

[Unskathed]

Amazing album.

[darth awsome]

darb0114 wrote:
What song does Frusciante play on?

All of them. Most of the guitar you hear in any Mars Volta song is Frusciante. Omar writes the music and then teaches it to the other band members. He only does some solos and noise sections so he can focus on directing and producing the albums.

[Domine6377]

With twilight as my guide is an amazing song. def my favorite from the album. i think i like this song so much because i can see pink floyd doing this song. i hear alot of the floyd on the album and it works really well for them. gj TMV

[Lex Davids]

doinitrong, if you compare it to past albums you're setting yourself up for a disappointment, always

[Hendrix_fan_14]

I meant epic in the content of the music. Not the length.

[Mr Pringle]

IN MY OPINION:
Frances The Mute
Octahedron
De-loused in the comatorium
Bedlam In Goliath
Amputechture

I was given all of the mars volta's work by a friend just after bedlam was and they have changed how I look and write Music. If someone has picked it up I listened to them alphabetically from Amputechture to Frances which has given my own view on what album is my personal favourite. ALSO, ALSO, ALSO Octahedron is ****ing amazing and every Volta fan should go out and buy it right now!

[Guitarmy17]

now if someone were to say to me that this is a mainstream rock album executed in The Mars Volta fashion, then taking that into context I would enjoy this album much more, because at least it says what it does on the tin. However no such statement has been made (at least that I'm aware of)

Actually Omar and Cedric did state he wanted to make more of an acoustic/ pop feel on this album. Omar usually has the next albums planned out, right after Amputechture Omar stated he wanted the next album to be very aggressive and fast ( Bedlam In Goliath) followed by a slow and stripped down acoustic songs (octahedron) 5 albums and all are amazing, one of the best original, soulful bands ever.... If you haven't see them live.... best band ever, esp. on shrooms lmao

[ChewItStef]

Actually Omar and Cedric did state he wanted to make more of an acoustic/ pop feel on this album. Omar usually has the next albums planned out, right after Amputechture Omar stated he wanted the next album to be very aggressive and fast ( Bedlam In Goliath) followed by a slow and stripped down acoustic songs (octahedron) 5 albums and all are amazing, one of the best original, soulful bands ever.... If you haven't see them live.... best band ever, esp. on shrooms lmao

..Well I guess that's slightly more acceptable lol. (This is the dude who wrote the review). I'm actually seeing them in 10 days , I'll probably take some MDMA or something.

[joshro]

I never understood why people didn't like amputechture. It's so damn good. Its definitely my favourite album with De-loused in a close second. I didn't love bedlam but damn, that album is killer, such crazy songs and sounds, its gorgeous what Omar can come up with. Now, onto Octahedron, all I can say is Omar is utterly BRILLIANT! This album is stunning in every way, it has everything you would expect and more from Omar when he says it's an acoustic album. The songs that stand out most are definitely With Twilight as my Guide, Teflon and Cotopaxi. This album is fantastic and it grows on you incredibly with every listen.

[joshro]

Along with that ^ also is Frances which I forgot to mention but I'm sure you all can guess what I think about the album since I don't know one person who doesn't like it.

[Guitarmy17]

..Well I guess that's slightly more acceptable lol. (This is the dude who wrote the review). I'm actually seeing them in 10 days , I'll probably take some MDMA or something.

man if its your first time seeing them, you will put them on your top live bands... hands down

[ChewItStef]

man if its your first time seeing them, you will put them on your top live bands... hands down

SEEING THEM TONIGHT.
WOO!

[travislausch]

Featured review might as well have been a review of De-Loused.

[Santeria420]

I loved Deloused and Frances. I couldn't get into Amputechture. I pretty much hated Bedlam. I thought The Mars Volta were creatively spent, but I was terribly wrong.

For the first time since Frances the band sounds fresh. Cedric's lyrics make sense without psychoanalysis; Omar finally finds a balance between harmony and melody; it isn't a concept album but all the songs blend together beautifully anyway.

I truly think this is the best album they have made since Deloused (I mean come on, that is their Dark Side of the Moon) and the one that will cement them as undeniable musical legends. OK, I know I sound like a phony ass Rolling Stone writer, but I really feel this way.

[Filip413]

I was pretty disappointed with this album, sure its got some great moments but the majority of it seems boring to me, maybe after a few listens i'll start liking it.

[jollyjolly]

I really enjoyed this album from the moment i put it in, i think the Mars Volta is best when you DON'T try to expect anything from them. "Since we've been wrong" is definately a pop song, but a Brilliantly written pop song, i don't hear many pop songs with the melodies and little leads that the Mars Volta adds. All this band will do is evolve with every album, whether it's rock/latin/acoustic or pop, they can do it and do it well!