Frances the mute...(13/4)

< Frances the mute > by the mars volta, 2005
A step even closer to the 70's progressive rock. The mars volta devotes themselves totally into the architecture of Yes or the King Crimson in the new album. Their second album is composed of music elements of different kinds...Cygnus...vismund cygnus is a full demonstration of their musical world having a detailed design of rollarcoasting music. The drumming of the band is a full retro to the 70's giants. Inserting other elements and the adequate electronical sound, the album is yet too old-fashioned. The widow is more a sentimental tune featuring the soulful electric guitar sound. L'via l'viaquez is an astonishing piece having short sessions of music paragraph from the Bassa Nova rtythm to Buenas Vista Social Club-bing or Marilyn Manson like mouring. Apparently, this is the formula for the band to vitalise the progressive rock. But except the mars volta, what is still so special for Prog Rock in the 21st century? When you hear longer their new album, you find that you are getting older too... (7.5/10)