Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala are synonymous with innovative modern rock. From the venomous post-hardcore bite of At the Drive In to the beamed-in-from-another-dimension prog of The Mars Volta, Omar and Cedric possess an unmistakable song-writing chemistry – each the Yin to the other’s Yang. Though they spent time apart following the hiatus and subsequent disbandment of The Mars Volta in early 2013, they’ve rekindled the friendship once again, this time under the guise of Antemasque.
With this new name comes a completely new outlook. Making an album akin to the Mars Volta 2.0 would have been the obvious thing to do, but these guys have never stuck to the conventional path. Instead, they’ve roped in Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea and ex-TMV drummer Dave Elitch to create an album with a focus on streamlined, hook-laden alternative rock. “Watching, waiting, black and white surveillance / I hope that nothing’s going wrong,”croonsvocalistBixler-Zavala during opener, 4AM, his voice fluctuating between raspy shout and wailing falsetto. It’s raw, infectious, and to the point. Likewise, I Got No Remorse is a driving punk rock stomper, laced with Omar’s intricate guitar noodling, while In the Lurch benefits from some trademark Flea funk. It may be a far cry from the impenetrable prog of yore, but it’s a welcome change in direction, and one that’s more accessible without ever feeling insincere.
Perhaps most surprising are the pop moments on offer. That’s right, pop – it doesn’t have to be a dirty word in rock circles. Just cast an ear to the unashamedly upbeat gloss of 50,000 Kilowatts, or the folky Zeppelin-esque acoustic jam, Drown All Your Witches. If you’ve still got a case of the Mars Volta breakup blues, don’t despair – Antemasque’s your silver lining. This is energetic, impassioned, and memorable rock’n’roll with a sense of urgency and purpose.
BY JACK PILVEN
Best Track: 4AM
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE MARS VOLTA, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, THE BLOOD BROTHERS
In A Word: Rejuvenated
