Mars Volta, The ‎– Octahedron

First of all, I'm not quite sure why everyone is labeling this an "acoustic" album...compared to their other albums, I guess this album seems acoustic because of its more subdued atmosphere. This album, which I have been anxiously awaiting for months, is not a dissapointment by any means, it is simply in a different vein. Omar, Cedric, and the Mars Volta group are known for forging ahead without looking back on their past projects, and this album exemplifies this attitude.

Following the Bedlam in Goliath, this album might seem like a day dream in terms of the amplitude, but the songs are just as well written as any other album. Next to Frances the Mute, this is some of Cedric's strongest lyrical writing (don't worry, they're still arcane and mysterious), and his vocals are compelling throughout.
Most of the songs are more laid-back (I guess that's where the "acoustic" feeling comes from). Since We've Been Wrong begins slowly, with a single tone in the beginning, and grows from a soft, contemplative feel into a half-throttle rock ballad, and ends with the single tone. Teflon, Halo of Nembutals, and With Twilight as My Guide are all in the same direction of semi-rock/acoustical ballads, with Omar's spacey guitar stylings and ambient background sounds.

The rockers of the album are Cotapaxi and Desparate Graves; these catchy tunes are sandwiched nicely in the middle of the album. The group really plays well together with driving bass and guitar, and as I said before, Cedric is at his best. The last two songs, Copernicus and Luciforms, follow the style of the beginning of the album. The lyrics to Luciforms are particularly interesting, give them a look.

This album is a natural step forward for the Mars Volta group, and it reflects the solo projects that Omar has been working on. Don't be fooled by the "acoustic" reviews, this album has some Rock in it, and the Guitar, Bass, and Drums will knock you out of the water when you least expect it, which is what makes this album so great! Octahedron = 8 sides, and 8 tracks...pick it up and enjoy!