The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute [2005]

Very strong start. However, after the half-way point, the energy and enjoyment slides down quite a bit. It's good stuff, though. Well-written and fairly creative with a good blend of styles and keeps you guessing for a bit. There is enough catchiness on this album to fill a C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet. Even so, I'm not a fan of their more atmospheric and psychedelic sections as I feel they drag on a bit and don't have much purpose to them. The production is quite good.

Rating: 8

http://www.themarsvolta.com/

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The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium [2003]

Right from the start, I can tell this will be a much more polished album. It's hard to say that the music is unique because many progressive bands play around with different instruments and sounds. Even so, this album definitely has its own identity. It's very well put together. Excellent songwriting all around. The album has flow and feels like it tells a story. The production is quite a leap forward from Tremulant, too. There are only a few parts that feel like they drag a bit.

Rating: 8

http://www.themarsvolta.com/

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The Mars Volta - Tremulant [2002]

A good first effort. It's not all that catchy, but the potential is there. This is very solid Progressive Rock writing. The production could definitely be better, but then, it is their first album.

Rating: 6.5

http://www.themarsvolta.com/

All ratings are out of 10. Rating may not be a whole number.