Mars Volta at Terminal 5

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The "beast" known as The Mars Volta came into nYc last night and completely blew the roof off of Terminal 5. The band whose sound some may classify as Progressive Rock, played through a non-stop set, kicking it all off around 8:20 until 10:55. The band layed down a show heavy with new material and I do not think there was soul in the place that was be dissapointed with the vision of things to come via their upcoming release. Even on the heels of the departure of original drummer Jon Theodore, who has been replaced by the equally talented Thomas Armon Pridgen the band sounded electric and fresh. The new material, as with their more well known catalogue, really reminded me of a combination of Led Zeppelin mixed with Santana (I am not saying they are as great as either of these bands, but this is one band that you can mention these bands and they do give great justice to the sounds both those artists pioneered...and no, The Mars Volta DOES NOT mimic those bands sounds but creates one that lends feelings of the forementioned acts).

If you have not experienced the duo made up of lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López you are truly missing out on some of the best live music out there right now. The only thing that can be said about this band is that their live show experience falls into two sides: either you love it or you hate it. It is easy to say from the scene of swaying bodies and dropped jaws that for those who showed up last night, The Mars Volta gave their audience all that they could asked for. Before I end this, the rest of the band is also equally deserving of praise. From the bombs being dropped on the bass the whole night, to the funky sound of the keys, to the rhythm guitarist perfectly complimenting Omar, to the percussion sides, to the ever so insane flute and horn player whose solos with Omar were impressive the nights' music was just one of those "experiences" that could have just gone on and on had the band not called it quits for the night.

On a final note, when their latest album The Bedlam In Goliath's drops on Tuesday, January 28th this is sure to be an album to not be passed on. Judging from the sounds of last night this album has the chance to win over new fans as the band seems to have pushed their limits and have created something that will sure have fans asking for more of The Mars Volta in 2008...I know I want some more and it has been less than 24 hours since the show.

-Jaime W.
More sick photos *Thanks Todd!*
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