AMPUTECHTURE - THE MARS VOLTA
Like a lot of bands, the Mars Volta does not want its music compartmentalized. But there is no denying that “Amputechture” is a long, woozy prog party where the instruments repeatedly careen into each other in a drunken cacophony. “Day of the Baphomets” is one spot where the revelry gets loud enough to wake the neighborhood, because Latin percussion, erratic horns and scratchy guitar are duking it out with an undertone of Primus. The heavily textured album could be mistaken for one long song if it were not for quieter jolts like “Vermicide” and the Spanish-flavored “Asilos Magdalena.” This record isn’t for casual listening, so those checking out the Mars Volta for the first time should take it slow to prevent a sonic hangover. Billboard
