Bands

Get ready for a shot of dark purple acid right in the bloodstream. The Mars Volta consists of some of the members from now-defunct post-hardcore band At the Drive-In. But the jagged guitar riffs and tumbling rhythms are mixed up with pieces of wreckage from Led Zeppelin, early Pink Floyd and Santana. And amidst the long and at times jazzy rock symphonies, The Mars Volta finds space for terrific melodies.

The Mars Volta builds on the 70s’ tendency towards complex song titles and brilliant instrumental demonstrations. When playing live, the often semi-improvised sequences change into some kind of total attack on the senses so that the audience is almost lowered into a world of Mexican acid and disturbing visions.

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