When Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez formed the Mars Volta in 2001 the world had no idea what would soon follow. 2003s De-Loused in the Comatorium and 2005s Frances the Mute gave the fans salvation and thoroughly confused the haterz.

With there ambatic riffs and mounds of experimental engineering the Mars Volta earned the title of “Pink Floyd of the new millennium.” Both of their previous LPs were highly praised by rock critiques and indie music followers. It seemed as if every record they put out was pushing boundaries and testing eardrums… queue in Amptechture.

Their newest LP Amptechture is one for the record books. To fans it will be like nothing the Mars Volta have ever done before. To non-believers it will be a feeble continuation on every other record they have put out.

In typical Mars Volta fashion, the songs are long and I mean real long. Of the 8 tracks, five of them clock in over the eight minute mark (and 3 of them are over the 12 minute mark.) They truly take their time on this record. Omar and Cedric make sure that no buildup is too short and no breakdown ends too soon. An onslaught of instruments ensures that no track sounds too much like the next.

Amptechture lacks the narrative feel that most of the other albums have had but by no means does it lack proper transition and continuity. The 11 minute Meccamptechture, which features a dissonant horn section and keyboard, climaxes then slowly fades into “Asilos Magdalena” an acoustic ballad that eventually transcends into a world of distorted vocals and ear shattering riffs.

John Frusciante, guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is back on this record. He first hooked up with The Mars Volta on 2005s Frances the Mute. Sadly, on this record one would have no idea that John was even listening in the studio. Like most great conductors, Omar and Cedric did not let Frusciante throw in his signature style. His playing sounds so consistent to the typical Mars Volta composition that it is almost a waste to have such a great talent on a record.

Amptechture is currently in stores everywhere. The Mars Volta is now on tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The tour stops in Boston October 4th and again on October 20th.

MaimZ