Mars Volta, The - The Bedlam in Goliath

[Tony Pascarella]

The Mars Volta – Bedlam in Goliath
Release Date: January 29, 2008
Record Label: Universal Motown Records

Love 'em or hate 'em, but The Mars Volta make some crazy music. They've burst back into the forefront of the music scene with their newest record, The Bedlam in Goliath. It's their fourth studio album, another highly-technical concept record, this one based off of the band's alleged battles with a possessed ouija board known as The Soothsayer. Musically, it seems as though The Mars Volta has gone a bit more mainstream, if that's possible, with the new CD. That's not to say it's a bad thing, but the continuing maturation process of the band seems to know no end, and they continue to work with many different styles of music and tweak what's expected of them by fans.

The layering on The Bedlam in Goliath is downright fantastic. Throughout most of the album, the band is able to maintain a working balance between Cedric Bixler-Zavala's quirky vocals, the shredding guitars (courtesy of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Paul Hinojos, and some kind-of-famous guest guitarist named John Frusciante), the well-represented bass lines, and Thomas Pridgen's excellent drumming without allowing any particular element to overwhelm another. An important point to note is that it might take a few songs to get into The Bedlam; in fact, the album doesn't seem to truly find its groove until the standout third track, “Ilyena.” The band brought in a new drummer, Pridgen, for this album, and he certainly seems to bring an intriguing dynamic to their music. On the aforementioned “Ilyena,” he offers a bit of a Caribbean or jazzy flair with his mostly fast-paced style of rolls and limited use of the bass drum. “Wax Simulacra” is the lead single from the album, and to be completely honest, it's one of the weakest all-around tracks. It seems like it might have been chosen just as much for its short runtime (2:39) as for its radio appeal. It is vocal-heavy and altogether forgettable. The funky, warbling guitar riff on “Goliath” infuses a shade or two of classic rock into the band's repertoire. It's musically accessible enough for casual fans but technical enough for the die-hards. The only real complaint with the song is that Bixler-Zavala's singing is rather (dare I say) bland at times.

Skipping the haunting yet mostly-faceless “Tourniquet Man,” the second half of The Bedlam in Goliath is pretty much on par with the first half in terms of standouts and clunkers. “Cavalettas” transitions back and forth between verses and the chorus (where Bixler-Zavala showcases two completely different deliveries), but after it happens a few times, the overall feeling is that they decided to jam a bit too long, and that some of the nine and a half minute track could have been cut for replayability purposes. Luckily, “Agadez” is there to pick up the momentum, with Thomas Pridgen again as the catalyst. Between the emphatic guitar battles, he and Bixler-Zavala are able to prove how well-orchestrated the song is. It doesn't dwell too long in one place, and “Agadez” is definitely a song you'll walk away from The Bedlam remembering. The rest of the album is a mixed bag, however. “Askepios” isn't anything to write home about, and it feels like it hurts the momentum of the album a bit. “Ouroboros” storms back with some tinges of thrash-metal (from the instruments, not the vocals), leaving a strong impression in the mind of the listener. The nine-minute “Soothsayer” walks through what sounds like a crowded marketplace and is highlighted by a vaguely Middle Eastern guitar attack, and “Conjugal Burns” features Omar Rodriguez-Lopez showing off some fierce guitar work on the album's closer.

So, how do you sum up a rather intriguing and complex album such as The Bedlam in Goliath? Those who had trouble getting into the band's earlier material will find the new songs more palatable, but at the same time, longtime fans may argue that it's not unorthodox enough. There are some standout tracks on The Bedlam (among them, “Ilyena,” “Goliath,” “Agadez,” and “Ouroboros”) but a few more that either fail to impress or simply don't remain memorable after multiple listens. I might be touching off a firestorm here, but it almost feels like Cedric's delivery has strayed a bit more toward that of Coheed & Cambria, losing some of its mostly-unique style in favor of accessibility or perhaps simply just a style change. Even if the band isn't as alone on their progressive rock pedestal as they have been in years past, The Mars Volta's The Bedlam in Goliath is a worthy addition to any music junkie's rotation, if only to prove that the contemporary music scene is far from stagnant.

Buy The Mars Volta's The Bedlam in Goliath on iTunes (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=PjIvm57kicI&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D272250216%2526id%253D272250200%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

01. Aberinkula
02. Metatron
03. Ilyena
04. Wax Simulacra
05. Goliath
06. Tourniquet Man
07. Cavalettas
08. Agadez
09. Askepios
10. Ouroboros
11. Soothsayer
12. Conjugal BurnsMyspace (http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta) | AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/themarsvolta) | Official Site (http://www.themarsvolta.com)

[Praetor]

The only thing I disagree with is that the album doesn't find its groove until Ilyena. The one-two punch of Aberinkula and Metatron pretty much MAKE the album for me. Also I wouldn't say his singing is bland, just that it's WAY higher than it was on Deloused, and, after watching multiple youtube videos of him live performing Bedlam songs, I can definitely say that it's too forced.

But great review, Tony.

[Tony Pascarella]

I have a feeling (not that I mind it at all) that a lot of people will either agree with this review or call me a bunch of names. It's a polarizing band.

For me, Aberinkula drags on a bit too long (although I love the chorus), and Metatron is not bad, although the second half of the song blows the first half away.

And his vocals are great on some songs and then other songs they just come across as bland comparatively. It's definitely one of the major things that bugs me about this album. :shrug:

[tait]

great review. i have to buy this album

[dontthink]

good review. great album. amazing live band.

[yoyoninjagirl]

good review, I think it's time i give this album a listen.

[kjs7]

this band has tons of talent but all their records suck
good writing for the reviiew though

[airik625]

Awesome review. I am buying this today.

[Fades2Black]

great record, agree with the vocals, they're just not how they used to be (De-loused). but honsestly nobody can say shit about this band until u see them live

[deepsd]

this was alot better than their last release still not their best album but a really good one. i liked it. and good review as well.

[Poochemist]

great record, agree with the vocals, they're just not how they used to be (De-loused). but honsestly nobody can say shit about this band until u see them live

Haha I remember seeing them live after De-Loused, and my mouth was agape the whole time.

[cannibalgirl]

The only thing I disagree with is that the album doesn't find its groove until Ilyena. The one-two punch of Aberinkula and Metatron pretty much MAKE the album for me. Also I wouldn't say his singing is bland, just that it's WAY higher than it was on Deloused, and, after watching multiple youtube videos of him live performing Bedlam songs, I can definitely say that it's too forced.

But great review, Tony.

i completely agree, however theres no doubt that ilyena and goliath are the stand out tracks.
as a whole, this album is way better than amputechture. its great.

[genericmadness]

I never thought I'd see a Mars Volta album get 7.5 for vocals

[Jumpoff]

I agree with the review, aside from the fact that I actually really like Tourniquet Man. The album didn't start for me to Ilyena either, was surprised that pop matters had the completely opposite view on it.

I do think that Cedric was better on Frances and De-Loused, he is not as good as he used to be.

[guitarnick20]

Definitely a well written review and I agree with a good majority of what was said/given points wise for the album. I think the vocals need to be categorized in two sections however: Melodies and Performance. Ceddy's performance leaves much to be desired but I think that his vocal melodies and harmonies are his best to date. They're really creative and blend a whole lot of genres while still making it all work together somehow.

The vocal performance on the disc becomes more standable and even enjoyable/likable after sustained listening. This album is definitely a grower...

If you don't like it though honestly, just listen to Thomas Pridgen's drumming, the man is a fucking machine. I think this album was something that could've been released prior to De-loused and Frances. It sounds like they've regressed back into ATD-I to me, which is totally a breath of fresh air I think. This album is just a lot of fun.

[Julia Conny]

Good job, Tony. Your reviews are always complete and cover everything you need to know.

[UndertheTELE]

I think some of the vocals on this record are the catchiest vocals that cedric has produced thus far. I don't really see how anyone can consider this mainstream or more mainstream because in my opinion it's their oddest and most diverse release yet. De-loused was not produced by Omar, every album produced after De-loused is what the Mars Volta truly intended to be.

[guitarnick20]

I think some of the vocals on this record are the catchiest vocals that cedric has produced thus far. I don't really see how anyone can consider this mainstream or more mainstream because in my opinion it's their oddest and most diverse release yet. De-loused was not produced by Omar, every album produced after De-loused is what the Mars Volta truly intended to be.

Agreed. I don't think De-loused is all its cracked up to be anyway... Its really digestable and dare I say boring. I think Frances kills that album in every respect but that's just me... TBiG is actually getting close to Frances as far as how these albums rank for me anyways.

[Boring Pop Song]

That's a good review, man. I'd give it a higher rating just cause I'm a fanboy, but I'm in love with this album.

[SteveLikesMusic]

Pretty good album but I hate his new vocal style.

[M.C COB]

Good review. I was very interested about this album, and considering it is the mars volta, you never know what you are in for.

[GiggsOho]

Pretty good album but I hate his new vocal style.


What new vocal style?


I thought the review is good, but you did set off a firestorm with me. TMV and Co&Ca do not feature the same vocal styles at all. As much as I love Claudio, I don't think Claudio has the talent that Ced has to control his voice, even when it's at one end of the spectrum or the other. It's just not a fair comparison.

[Scott Weber]

I think this is their best album since Deloused personally, the last 2 TMV albums weren't my style at all.

[Tony Pascarella]

Good job, Tony. Your reviews are always complete and cover everything you need to know.Aw, thanks, Julia. :-)

Definitely a well written review and I agree with a good majority of what was said/given points wise for the album. I think the vocals need to be categorized in two sections however: Melodies and Performance. Ceddy's performance leaves much to be desired but I think that his vocal melodies and harmonies are his best to date. They're really creative and blend a whole lot of genres while still making it all work together somehow.

The vocal performance on the disc becomes more standable and even enjoyable/likable after sustained listening. This album is definitely a grower...

If you don't like it though honestly, just listen to Thomas Pridgen's drumming, the man is a fucking machine. I think this album was something that could've been released prior to De-loused and Frances. It sounds like they've regressed back into ATD-I to me, which is totally a breath of fresh air I think. This album is just a lot of fun.The vocals are creative, but at times it feels like he doesn't try as hard. Part of the band's appeal has always been the vocals, and there are songs where he makes me as the listener not care what he's singing about, and that's what disappointed me.

And Thomas Pridgen is the man. I'm glad that he came through big on this CD because I remember when he joined, the people arguing that he wasn't good enough.

I think some of the vocals on this record are the catchiest vocals that cedric has produced thus far. I don't really see how anyone can consider this mainstream or more mainstream because in my opinion it's their oddest and most diverse release yet. De-loused was not produced by Omar, every album produced after De-loused is what the Mars Volta truly intended to be.But this album isn't an hour of noise and crazy stuff going on mixed with a majority of near-unintelligible lyrics. Frankly, that's a good thing. I like being able to sing along with some of this CD, even if it feels like sometimes what I'm singing is nonsensical. But maybe that's just me.

I thought the review is good, but you did set off a firestorm with me. TMV and Co&Ca do not feature the same vocal styles at all. As much as I love Claudio, I don't think Claudio has the talent that Ced has to control his voice, even when it's at one end of the spectrum or the other. It's just not a fair comparison.They're both strong vocalists, but my biggest gripe with Coheed's new album is that Claudio toned down his voice...there's less yelp to it. Likewise, it feels that some of the songs on The Bedlam have Cedric's vocals with a little more of a "rock" sound to them, and it ends up being boring or getting on my nerves after a while. Of course on the other hand, it means it'll be easier for a lot of people to get into the band because they can understand and follow the singing and lyrics better. It's kind of a catch-22, I won't argue that.

I think this is their best album since Deloused personally, the last 2 TMV albums weren't my style at all.TMV is a band I was never truly into until a few months ago, but when you get in the mood for them, they're great. I'd rather that a band take their time and completely blow their fans' minds than to release a couple of albums just to get the songs out there. I had a good time reviewing this (it was really tough, though) because it's definitely out of the element of what I regularly listen to.

[kylestarr]

personally, this album just came off as more of the same. i don't really know what i'm expecting from TMV, but i feel like the past two albums haven't really been making great strides in the advancement of music which TMV has become known for. I cannot deny their talent but there was nothing shocking on this record.

I'd have to also agree with most of the posts on this thread on the topic of Cedric's vocals. I don't think he's gotten worse, just exploring new avenues but unfortunately, it's not something that pleases me as a listener.

Despite all of this, I'm sure they are very happy with their record so congrats.

I'd really like to see what Rick Ruben can do with this band now...

[michealrogers]

What new vocal style?


I thought the review is good, but you did set off a firestorm with me. TMV and Co&Ca do not feature the same vocal styles at all. As much as I love Claudio, I don't think Claudio has the talent that Ced has to control his voice, even when it's at one end of the spectrum or the other. It's just not a fair comparison.

Well stated. The only thing they have in common is Latino heritage. ( Puerto Rican and Mexican)
Embarrassingly, Ive seen co&ca twice, prolly seen volta half a dozen times, and live, their is no comparison. in that register, like you said, it is all about control. To be fair, it would be fucking impossible to recreate either of their recorded sounds live. (layering, overlap, multiple tracks, etc)

[michealrogers]

I'm realizing, amongst the hoard of fans whom are collectively AP.net, a very minute percentage are musicians. Not to fault anyone, but IMO, until you have at least a shred of knowledge about theory, you simply cant begin to appreciate/criticize Bedlam or Volta's body of work. This is certainly not to say, that fans, or anyone else, cant enjoy the music, after all its universal. Omar has said, that during the recording process, he tells everyone their parts, and they are forced to record separately from the rest of the band. (amp. frances) This is perhaps, one of the most remarkable things about volta, these complex, and ever changing arrangements, never exist on staff paper. Heart of any rock band, arguably, is drums and bass, tmv's bass player was in Racer X with paul gilbert, go look it up. Thomas, was sponsored at 8, and a full scholarship to Berklee at 15. Sorry to ramble, Most underrated band around today, in terms of just raw fucking talent. so long sorry.
p.s. if you want to understand volta, listen to their first e.p. tremulant.

[michealrogers]

Tony, brilliantly executed review sir, eloquent, tasteful, and thorough. Do you truly believe that this album can be summed up in its totality in three or however many paragraphs? You could listen to any song on it, fifteen times, and find something agreeable and unique the first and fifteenth time. I strongly believe that this review demonstrates your crippling adoration of men and boys.

[Acad08]

Nice job on this review.

I think you have redeemed yourself from that horrible AVA writeup. ;)

But YES, I agree with everything you've said, aside from the 'bland vocal' comment. The second half of Metatron beats the shit out of the first half, and Aberinkula drags on too long.

Nice!

[newfoundmichael]

AP gave this a 5/5.

I found that very interesting, but probably deserving. I'll have to check this out.

[tonyC4L]

Nice review, pretty much my feelings as well. I do disagree with your statement that "Wax Simulacra" is forgettable though. I personally find it to be a pretty solid track, although you're right, it is pretty radio-ready given it's length and catchiness.

[HDXPC]

this band has tons of talent but all their records suck
good writing for the reviiew though


thats kind of an oxymoron....moron.

[vakuola]

I love TMV and I love this album, Frances The Mute is still my favourite, though, this one sounds less-experimental (non-sense noises) and more focused into a rock vibe.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Like everyone here, I agree that this is a very well written review about TMV's Bedlam. There are some things I do agree with. On the topic of tracks, Wax Simualcra, although catchy and entertaining, is not the strongest track on the album. With that, here are some tracks that were memorable while some that may have to take a few more listens to be noticed. Another thing to mentioned (and perhaps praised) is the addtion of their new drummer Thomas Pridgen. His unique style of playing the drums only adds to the band's already complex progressive sound. He may not have the improvisation skills as Jose Theodore, but based on the direction and maturation of the band, Pridgen style is more suitable.

The only thing I don't agree 100% with the review is Cedric's vocals on the album. I'll admit his performance on the recording is slighty different from the previous records, but it could be that he decided to change his style particularly for this record. It may be more accessible due to the limited (or actually none) context of spanish lyrics, which in my opinion is the missing element which slightly takes away the complexity The Mars Volta is known for in their music. Still, in respect to Cedric for his complex lyrics and style of singing, I give him props for trying to venture out and explore different possiblities without having fear of going "mainstream".

Nevertheless, the record is great. Good job with the review, Tony!

[aolsux]

they will never release anything as good as deloused, this isn't bad though

[guitarnick20]

they will never release anything as good as deloused, this isn't bad though

You've clearly never heard Frances, or you're deaf. De-loused is good but its nowhere near Frances, you just have to have patience and listen to it in a certain way, you know by doing what you're supposed to do: give yourself completely to the music for the 76 minutes its on and not worry about life while its being played.

De-loused is good, but Frances is just so far beyond it its scary... You can like what you like, but don't you ever, ever, ever forget about Frances. Such a good and underrated album because of the "filler" which totally works in context. Give it another listen, I highly recommend it.

[Scott Weber]

You've clearly never heard Frances, or you're deaf. De-loused is good but its nowhere near Frances, you just have to have patience and listen to it in a certain way, you know by doing what you're supposed to do: give yourself completely to the music for the 76 minutes its on and not worry about life while its being played.

De-loused is good, but Frances is just so far beyond it its scary... You can like what you like, but don't you ever, ever, ever forget about Frances. Such a good and underrated album because of the "filler" which totally works in context. Give it another listen, I highly recommend it.
why do people have to be such dicks about frances? It's not for everyone. not everyone has time to sit down and devote 76 minutes to just the music. not everyone is a musician, not everyone is a stoner. I find that album full of filler and stuff I get nothing from.

[HoldenCfld]

I never got the feeling that Aberinkula dragged on too long, I stayed engaged with it the whole time. In fact, I feel it ended rather abruptly and I was left wanting more from it.

I do agree from time to time about the vocals, but I think they go with the music pretty well overall.

Maybe it's because my dad brought me up on King Crimson and the Allman Bros., but I love me a good extended jam.

[aminorthreat55]

:hitself:

[SweetThye]

Is it just me or does "Wax Simulacra" sound kinda like a Fall of Troy song?

[bowl of oranges]

i plan on buying this quite soon

[Rxbandit22]

Can I ask someone to send it to me?

I only liked "De-loused".
"Frances" just sounded to un-structured, random and lazily put together.
Didn't bother with amp-a-whatever,
and this review makes me want to hear some stuff off this.

[Tom Good]

This should have come after Frances The Mute. Thomas Pridgen is awesome. They were able to bring me back in after losing me with Amputechture. I'm really pumped about this album.

[FaceLixeMurder]

the drumming alone is enough to justify this album as amazing

[guitarnick20]

why do people have to be such dicks about frances? It's not for everyone. not everyone has time to sit down and devote 76 minutes to just the music. not everyone is a musician, not everyone is a stoner. I find that album full of filler and stuff I get nothing from.

True, but the reason why people are dicks about it is because a lot of people didn't devote the 76 minutes to the album. They listened to it once and were like "ah fuck this its too much this that and the other thing" be it filler or otherwise.

I think its a great album, its really well organized other than Cassandra, which actually is well organized if you look at the rise and fall and see the album as more of a soundtrack than just an album. Its very cinematic and the way the album flows is like a movie. I think its very image oriented too but that's just me because I really sat down with the album and I FUCKING HATED it at first. I took two weeks off from it after first hearing it and then just absolutely fell in love with it because I sat down with it and listened to everything and for everything.

Also the concept of the album really grabbed me because its just about finding what your home is or who your real family is, who you consider to be close enough to call a brother when they're really just friends of yours. I agree its not for everyone, but it is a great album if you take the time to listen to it the right way which is exactly how you would see a movie: completely attentive. I would also grab the lyric book and sit with that too, it makes a lot more sense after reading through it while listening.

[Hagysaurus Rex]

I've never quite "got" this band, although I concede they are absurdly talented and are really good musicians. Fantastic review...I actually plan on making myself listen to this album front-to-back soon.

[tbsunday14]

this band has tons of talent but all their records suck
good writing for the reviiew though



Oh! Be careful what you say, little one.

[Tony Pascarella]

I've never quite "got" this band, although I concede they are absurdly talented and are really good musicians. Fantastic review...I actually plan on making myself listen to this album front-to-back soon.Definitely understand that it's not a 1-listen album for most people (as in you'll adore it after one try), and it's probably not something that anyone would like to listen to on shuffle, either. That aside, it's a very solid listen.

[elvis2x]

For me, Aberinkula drags on a bit too long (although I love the chorus),


A Mars Volta song that drags on for too long? That's a new one.

[BuyMyIntention]

Saying that Cedric's vocals are bland is easily one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard.

[Reptilia]

I love Mars Volta but I have to admit that this didn't quite do it for me. Somehow, I thought this one was the first TMV record to feel way too draggy. Maybe it's because I felt that "Cavalettas" would've been so much better at a slender length as well as "Metatron." It's odder because I know a lot of the fans felt Amputechture was similarly draggy, but this felt moreso like it plodded too long. The musicianship is still great but the songs themselves aren't as great.

[Bruce_LeBeau]

I think that Bixler-Zavala and guitarist-producer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez work furiously to achieve prog-rock transgression: compressing dissected time signatures and stammering riffs into seizures that sound like three Mars Voltas going off at once, splashed with the non-sequitur gore of Bixler-Zavala's singing in tongues. But still, this album is really worth to listen. In fact, I think it's even betetr than "Amputechture".

[Shatter_Glass]

looking forward to this record, i have it purchased in my car but still haven't opened it. What's my deal?!

[mrogerslives]

I think that Bixler-Zavala and guitarist-producer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez work furiously to achieve prog-rock transgression: compressing dissected time signatures and stammering riffs into seizures that sound like three Mars Voltas going off at once, splashed with the non-sequitur gore of Bixler-Zavala's singing in tongues. But still, this album is really worth to listen. In fact, I think it's even betetr than "Amputechture".

brilliant. where the fuck is java?

[bummm]

Mars Volta is craazy.

[Mikecarrozza]

this is a great band, but without Jon Theodore, they lose all groove. This album is okay. It's passable. Most of the song have moment where you want to skip them whereas on any other TMV recording, doing so would be blasphemy. They have definitely gotten worse.
Thomas Pridgen killed The Mars Volta. Not single-handedly, but he had a load to do with it