( this is how the Mars Volta makes me feel)
I have decided, After seeing The Mars Volta at least once a year for the last 4 or five years (roughly 20 hours of show, yet only 6 songs were played) that The Mars Volta are the only band that can do what The Mars Volta does. It does’nt matter how familiar you are with the recorded material. Admittedly I am not that familiar yet I have most of their recordings. My point is when they step on stage for what will sure be a marathon progressive latina alternative jam session, if you are not in the room, the experience can not be communicated to you. Which reminds me , is there a live album or DVD? There should be a theatrical release concert movie. It would be almost impossible to sit through and be a box office nightmare however if handled correctly could redefine the concert movies.
What this band does create is art in the purist sense of the word. It is also ephemeral. Like the guy with the rocks and sticks sculpture or the sidewalk chalk artist except much louder.
The Mars Volta show is not for the faint of heart. And I commend the soldiers in the band that commit to bringing the rock for 3 straight hours with no breaks ( in the songs) and minimal banter on stage.
Another observation I have of the band is every time I see them they seem to pick up another member. 1st it’s another guitarist, then a horn player/percussionist then another keyboard player. All of which seems to allow them to play longer. So much longer.
Brooklyn Vegan has better pictures from the show as I was in the back looking for a place to sit down.
