Vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala nonsensically yet somehow fittingly labelled The Mars Volta’s new material as “future punk”. If what I witnessed was “future punk”, then someone get me a fucking DeLorean, because that was unbelievable. The band debuted amazing new shit but only played four tracks from their records (Son Et Lumiere, Inertiatic ESP, The Widow and Goliath). This new material, however, was captivating and, akin to the tradition of The Mars Volta, way ahead of its time.
The Mars Volta live are different now to the band I saw in ’07, but different should not imply inferior. This was my fifth time seeing them, and even though it lacked the entertaining chaos of the ’07 gig, or the two-and-a-half hour long setlist of the ’08 tour, it still had its own compelling mystique. Goliath, for example, demonstrated their musical maturity as the wanky moments from the 20-30 minute monsters from previous years were removed and instead the song was slowed-down into a sexy groove with a powerful ending.
Now, they did have a pretty basic lightshow, no backdrop and played mostly new material; and in re-watching footage from their earlier gigs, this concert definitely had more of a stripped-back vibe. I understand fans’ frustration with this, but whatever happened to, “it’s about the music , man”? Many Mars Volta fans seem to fall in love with an album and yearn for its replication therefore predisposing them to search for fault in anything new. If you respect Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’ creative genius, then you should be embracing it, not limiting it.
Surprisingly, the star of the evening wasn’t the lively Rodriguez-Lopez nor the amusing Bixler-Zavala, but drummer Deantoni Parks. Bassist Juan Alderete himself could not believe what Parks was creating, and when the show was over, he repeatedly gestured towards Parks as if he was saying, “Fuck you. You are too brilliant” and stormed off the stage. The interplay between the band members revealed how much they were enjoying themselves. However, Rodriguez-Lopez twice criticised those who disrespected openers The Fearless Vampire Killers during their set, referring to these audience members as “lame”. This crowd was certainly subpar, seemingly full of dicks trying to start fights with anyone who tried to move through the mosh. However, the intrigue onstage made it difficult to care.
I’ve learnt an important lesson going to Mars Volta gigs over the years, and that’s if you hope for the same show as the year before, you’ll be disappointed. You need to let go of preconceived expectations and just experience it. Bring on future punk.
Loved: That you wouldn’t dare look away
Hated: Douchebags in the crowd
Drank: Water-flavoured beer…
