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The fifth studio album from The Mars Volta encroaches on new territory for the band. Without alienating their unique combination of rock, jazz fusion, funk and Latin music Octahedron delivers a new “pop” sound. This less spastic music isn't a downgrade of the bands' talent however, just a progression in a new direction. The sound manipulator and saxophonist were asked to step down for the recording of this new material. According to Cedric (the singer for the band) the fresh sound is their take on what a “mellow” album coming from The Mars Volta sounds like. To elaborate: “We know how people can be so linear in their way of thinking, so when they hear the new album, they're going to say, 'This is not an acoustic album! There's electricity throughout it!' But it's our version. That's what our band does - celebrate mutations. It's our version of what we consider an acoustic album.”
Unlike some of the other material from The Mars Volta (such as De-Loused in the Comatorium) this is not a concept album but rather a collection of songs that revolve around somewhat regular composition and themes. One might call this the most listenable album from The Mars Volta. Much of their older material contained extended solos and effects-laden passages that some might consider too experimental, whereas Octahedron is bound to pull in new fans to the band (as well as potentially have die-hard followers say the band has “sold out” - but to think such a thing would be very closed-minded).
If you've never checked out The Mars Volta before, this is a perfect chance to dive into what in my opinion is their strongest album to date. If you enjoy Octahedron I would suggest working your way backwards through their material so that the listener can get a true grasp on how much more experimental their earlier works are.
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