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The Mars Volta

live in Nottingham
2003
live show

Review by: ThreeChordsAndTheTruth
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Published on November 25th 2003

Taking to a stage adorned with Mexican flags and a huge backdrop of album artwork depicting rats with glowing eyes, The Mars Volta take to the stage.

Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez plugs in and begins a frenetic solo, accompanied by Jon Theodore on drums and Juan Alderete on bass. Cedric Zavala (formerly Bixler) stands stage right, performing a strange sidestep shuffle as the band warm up.

Abruptly, Omar begins the intro to 'Roulette Dares (This is the Haunt Of)' and the crowd cheer wildly. Anyone who has ever been familiar with At The Drive-In (Omar and Cedric's previous band) will be used to Cedric and Omar's frantic, insane stage movements, and as the song kicks off, Cedric throws himself to the floor, his body writhing like a snake. A split second later he is throwing his mic stand to the rafters, catching it effortlessly and whirling it around, flicking the mic into his waiting hand. Omar throws and contorts his body in a way that makes the watcher think "how can he be doing that?". He spins, drops, shakes, and flings his guitar around his body and the stage, while still managing to play the song note-perfect. As a sharp contrast, bassist Juan does not move from his spot next the drumkit for the entire show.

The Mars Volta are famed for their live shows, and are known to extend their already epic songs into 20 minute plus jams. After such a sharp snappy intro tonight, they seem to lose the crowd with the next song, 'Eriatarka'. A guitar solo (lit up by a mis-guided follow spot clearly being operated by a seven year old) introduces the song, and this particular tune lasts around thirty minutes. While The Mars Volta's musicianship cannot be questioned (all members are exceptional in their own particular field), this type of playing fails to keep the crowds attention. From my high up vantage point, I can see that the crowd below me don't tend to get into the songs until they reach a point that is actually on the record 'De-Loused In The Comatorium'. During the improvised sections, the crowd seem to lose interest and even talk amongst themselves. As much as I love this record and band, I found myself getting a little bored of watching Omar fiddling with his guitar (and arsenal of effects that make the guitar sound as far from a guitar as possible), and Cedric singing occasional 'ohhhhhhh-ohhhhh's.

One thing the band should be complimented on is their ability to take their already amazing record, and manage to pull it off live. A dedicated team of stage crew is on hand to supervise constantly changing guitar and vocal effects, and the record's sound and atmosphere is faithfully reproduced tonight.

We are also treated to several minutes of bass soloing on behalf of Juan, during which he showed off his wide variety of effects.

At one point in the show, Cedric stands upon the crowd, singing. As soon as he did so, around 15 cellphones lit up in the crowd below me, all trying to photograph this moment. At several points in the show, he scaled the speaker stacks, but then half-heartedly climbed down again, destroying everyone's expectations of a mid-song leap. During the part in 'Cicatriz ESP' where the helicopter-like sound effect makes it's appearance, Cedric let out a huge scream, boosted by effects, that shook the entire room, a cool moment.

'Televators' was a great song, played for the majority by Isaac (keyboards) and some eventual drum and bass accompaniment. I even heard some singing along to this track, which made me wonder where everyone else was getting the lyrics from (they don't come packaged with the CD).

Overall, the band proved that they can replicate their recorded sound beyond expectations live, but they often slip up when choosing to extend the songs live. People in the crowd often seemed unsure what was going on for the majority of songs, and only seemed to get into songs when a 'safe ground' such as a chorus or other familiar moment was reached.

Setlist: (in no real order)
Cicatriz ESP
Drunkship of Lanterns
Eriatarka
Roulette Dares (This Is The Haunt Of)
Take The Veil, Cerpin Taxt
Televators

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 14, 2005 at 12:26 AM (EST)

Their live show is great if you like prog rock or any jam bands. They're not a punk band so you shouldn't expect their live show to be simplistic (play the songs exactly like the album) for the little kiddies to understand. TMV doesn't play for the little kiddies, they play real music, real improv.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 14, 2005 at 12:15 AM (EST)

No, they're a form of progressive rock with punk and latin influences.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 11:03 PM (EST)
My Score:

is tmv emo?

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 3:56 PM (EDT)
My Score:

im from Malaysia..and thats in Asia..For me...The Mars Volta is best fukin band ever!!

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 1, 2004 at 4:03 AM (EDT)
My Score:

there are musicians and there are listeners most people think they are crazy...i love them the mars volta is something you punks will never understand and will allways think as not good because they don't yell there ass off about bush or some shit!so learn that they are differnt and better than punk songs that allways play 3 cords and boom ta boom ta drum beats!!!!jon theodore is a awesome drummer better than jose of a perfect circle (he broke the guys leg on tour )HAHAHAHA!!!!!

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 2:45 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I was supposed to see TMV live in New Orleans when they were opening up for A Perfect Circle, and that's the only reason I bought tickets. Then, either it was just a big rumor that they were opening up, or they cancelled because they weren't there. I was pissed off because I had looked forward to it so much. The Mars Volta is an amazing band, and I hope to one day see them live. I think they are the deepest band I've ever heard in my life. If anyone is from NO, and knows if they are coming, please let me know. Thanks, Kae

Posted by Greenvandal on 2003-12-04 19:08:09
My Score:

I am here to make this official...

At The Drive-In
Sparta
and finally...
The Mars Volta

ALL BLOW DICK. I will never understand why you like these shitty bands so much. I bought the Sparta CD today hopin it would be the first in the bunch to really impress me and it was even worse then ATDI. FUCK FUCK FUCK.

these pretentious dicks need to give up, or go back to the drawing board until they come up with somehting o actually be pretentious about.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 4, 2003 at 12:51 PM (EST)
My Score:

Yeah, slight problem being I said I liked TMV's album a lot.

It's just that they are shit live. I never said I wanted fireworks, The Melvins or that I was a "25 year old punker".

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at 12:05 AM (EST)
My Score:

Punk is dead its dead i tell ya dead!! and will always be dead ,get used to it. Ahahahahahahahah!

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 11:42 PM (EST)
My Score:

HEY you shut the fuck up ass goblin. Your fireworks at a punk show.
And your powerless than assless chaps.By the way it would be realy sad if you guys are like 25 year old punkers.And if not you youngsters need to learn a thing or two about good music. PUNK IS DEAD ASS WAD!

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 11:30 PM (EST)
My Score:

tmv isn't the greatest band ever but I give them credit for suceeding the image and sound of at the drive in. Oh and tmv isn't punk rock

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 11:08 PM (EST)
My Score:

yeah, all the people that go to punk shows want fireworks. shut the fuck up.

Posted by funkisdead on 2003-12-01 18:12:12
My Score:

"And as far as assless chaps I guess youd otta know about gaylord shit like that. I guess they werent as powerful ass chaps especially if you like fuckin melvins in your crouch dumb ass."

bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. what the fuck?

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 4:29 PM (EST)
My Score:

All you bastards who say that TMV sucks live, I think you kind of people need to be looking at bright exploding lights and smoke and fireworks. TMV is not gonna do stupid shit like that for simple minded people. You were supposed to indulge in the music and feel it.I saw them live and I thought they were powereful. I could their passion for their music. And as far as assless chaps I guess youd otta know about gaylord shit like that. I guess they werent as powerful ass chaps especially if you like fuckin melvins in your crouch dumb ass.No one could ever tell me any different MARS VOLTA is awesome. SO FUCK ALL YOU ANTI TMV!!!!

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 4:11 PM (EST)
My Score:

I have had the privilage to see Mars Volta live in Houston ,TX.It took like an hour or so for TMV to come out. Saul Williams was also there. He was interesting at first and then got old and preachy real quick. In fact alot of people were booing him and even threw stuff at him. Cedric came out on stage and got pissed. he said "who was throwin shit at Saul Williams! Its not everyday that you get a beautiful man like that to school you.Fuck if you dont like it leave shit! If you wanna throw somethin throw money." And some people did throw him money.Damn Houstonians are stupid. Were not very appreciative of things. I live to be inspired by TMV. I am more than a fan I truely respect them.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 1:57 PM (EST)
My Score:

"The Prince of Nottingham was Robin Hood's enemy you tool"

no, you tool. you mean the sheriff of nottingham.. didn't disney teach you anything?

"It might be just me, but did you ever think they might have listened to the record and learnt the lyrics? 'Cause..y'know, that happens occasionally."

haha, yeah, but the band don't use 'normal' lyrics that are easy to make out and i'd rather not sing along at all than be the guy who sings what he thinks are the words and gets them wrong.

Posted by Greenvandal on 2003-12-01 12:36:20
My Score:

Lyrics are not aesthetics. They are a quarter of the fucking song. Your a real idiot if you say lyrics dont matter, thats like saying the music doesnt matter.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 12:28 PM (EST)
My Score:

let's face it, they suck.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 7:55 AM (EST)
My Score:

Going back a little to the beginning here, but exactly what everyone else says.

I love the album, and all the songs on it, but when i saw them at Leeds festival i was totally lost in the improvisation, and found myself chatting.

Fair enough not many live acts so this, and they pull it of well. But leave it for the practise sessions, not for the crowds.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 1:20 AM (EST)
My Score:

if you don't think lyrics are important to a songs quality maybe you should get off a "punk" site. eh?

there is more to music than aesthetics.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 8:26 PM (EST)
My Score:

why is it cool to hate or like a band, your a fuckin dumbass

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 5:42 PM (EST)
My Score:

it was so cool to like this band for a while, and now it's so cool to hate this band. people oughta make up their minds.

TMV probably got sick of playing the album in succession after a while which is why they just solo now...keeps it fresh for them. not saying i agree with that reasoning, just saying it is probably their reason.

as for you idiots who bitch about how you can't like this band because you don't understand the lyrics, dear fucking god if lyrics are all that matter to you in music then you have problems. the music and vocals (not lyrics, but vocals...as in quality of the voice and melody) are so much more infinitely important than the lyrics. besides, i personally like TMV's lyrics...i'm just saying that if you don't, that shouldn't be a reason to hate the band.

Posted by Greenvandal on 2003-11-30 12:47:01
My Score:

Haha. Tool. I got one of those. I fix family problems with it.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 5:24 PM (EST)
My Score:

"...I even heard some singing along to this track, which made me wonder where everyone else was getting the lyrics from (they don't come packaged with the CD)."

It might be just me, but did you ever think they might have listened to the record and learnt the lyrics? 'Cause..y'know, that happens occasionally.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 5:09 PM (EST)
My Score:

"buttless chaps are way more powerful than the mars volta."

As much as I love The Mars Volta's album, this is undoubtedly true. And yes, they are REALLY bad live, everyone already knew this...

This score is for the quote.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 3:23 PM (EST)
My Score:

The Prince of Nottingham was Robin Hood's enemy you tool

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 10:49 AM (EST)
My Score:

sickboi: okay. but robin hood wasn't a prince. hence my confusion.

Posted by at_the_drive_in_21 on 2003-11-28 14:29:58
My Score:

I agree with the guy who went to the Toronto show - it seems like this was the only time the band actually played the album straight through with less than 5 minutes of improvisation per song. I thought that show was awesome. Too bad for everyone else.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 28, 2003 at 12:20 PM (EST)
My Score:

I totally agree with this review. They are an amazing band, but some of the jamming is too boring. I saw them on the first Euro tour and they completely blew me away, I saw 'em again in september and even though they're even better musicians now, the shows wasn't as good as it could have been because of the endless added stuff.

Posted by funkisdead on 2003-11-28 08:20:13
My Score:

or BUTTLESS CHAPS, rather.

buttless chaps are way more powerful than the mars volta.

Posted by funkisdead on 2003-11-28 08:19:41
My Score:

guys, he said BUTLESS CHAPS.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 28, 2003 at 4:43 AM (EST)
My Score:

As long as they're playing their shows like this...i won't go. They put the crowd to fuckin sleep. The album is ok, but their live performance is just pretentious and boring. Fuck it.

Posted by greenandtangerine on 2003-11-28 02:50:39
My Score:

really surprised people don't like this band...this album will make a lot of top 10 lists for 2003. guaranteed.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 11:51 PM (EST)
My Score:

criticism has it's part in life too ya know. oooh you're criticising a band, that means you have no life!!!!!

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 5:48 PM (EST)
My Score:

redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 4:17 AM (EST)
My Score:

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 2:13 AM (EST)
My Score:

Like Cedrics's lyrics are changing the world fucknuts, it's more like psychobabble...

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 10:23 PM (EST)
My Score:

people who can't understand what cedric sings about need to start reading between the lines, cause there are actually meanings to his songs, if you don't understand them than that's your problem, not the bands....

and to those who don't like them,i don't care, but who do you guys like???

and if you think this is emo than you're just plain dumb.

finaly, why do you people waste your time critizing bands you don't like, don't you have anything better to do??

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 6:14 PM (EST)
My Score:

and that's bloke to you missy

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 6:14 PM (EST)
My Score:

elingingstapinr
redrum

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 10:05 AM (EST)
My Score:

He was referring to Robin Hood, you fucking bloak.

-sickboi

Posted by threechordsandthetruth on 2003-11-26 06:28:15
My Score:

Scott, 7 is about right, sorry for fucking up.

"1. Was the royal family in attendance? The Prince of Nottingham palace is a bad man, and could easily ruin the show"

uhh.. there is not prince of nottingham, or a palace. There's Nottingham Castle? No prince, though..

"When I listen to thsi band, I feel like Omar and Cedric are taking turns masturbating into my mouth."

Haha, I guess that's a fair point, but I still like to listen to it. Once you get past the fact that live, this band is really the Cedric and Omar show, you can appreciate it.

Posted by YourBloodyValentine on 2003-11-26 05:21:29
My Score:

Does anybody order from Insound?

If you do, I have a Mars Volta trading card that I don't want.

Looking to trade it for another card of some band I actually like.

--John

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 1:27 AM (EST)
My Score:

When I listen to thsi band, I feel like Omar and Cedric are taking turns masturbating into my mouth.

I don't like that feeling at all.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 11:55 PM (EST)
My Score:

Maybe it's just afro-mighty.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 11:54 PM (EST)
My Score:

Or just egotistical?

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 11:53 PM (EST)
My Score:

Is it pretentious to call someone pretentious?

Posted by MrOhio on 2003-11-25 21:45:09
My Score:

They're like so....self-centered, sucky, bad, overrated, egotistical, afro-mighty, hair-sprayed, drug-trippin...hopefully they can take the next leap on the next record and...um....and die.

Posted by Edgie on 2003-11-25 21:10:41
My Score:

Mommmmy! He said I liked Rancid!!

*Bitter emo sobs*

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 8:43 PM (EST)
My Score:

i saw them in toronto and they are by far the best live act i have ever seen ...fuck all of u who say they suck u probably like rancid u dumb fucks get some musical taste and have some respect for you ears and not make them listen to rancid pennywise or any other bull shit "punk rock"

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 7:33 PM (EST)
My Score:

Mars Volta live is like staying home alone getting raped by Yes.

-BSD

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 7:15 PM (EST)
My Score:

Mars Volta live???

I'd rather stay home and jerk off to a Yes Record!

Posted by funkisdead on 2003-11-25 18:47:04
My Score:

dear superdude,
as soon as i saw "mars volta" over to the left, i was convinced that you'd be in trouble... what would you say this time? to say the least, i was nervous.

"3. Was anyone wearing leather, or buttless chaps?"

that comment alone proved me wrong for ever having doubted you.

good luck, good sir.
edward.

Posted by mikeinflames on 2003-11-25 18:43:16
My Score:

I saw these guys open for the Chilli Peppers a couple months back and they are suck pre-madonna's
They suck ... ass!
And didn't thier keyboardist OD and die a couple months ago?
Now there's a champ if there ever was one
Must explain why the rest of the guys in this band are champs
Mars Volta suck ... as do Sparta ... as did At The Drive In

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 5:41 PM (EST)
My Score:

PS Fuck this little piece of shit band

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 5:41 PM (EST)
My Score:

Masters of the Universe kicked ass, but that new GI Joe cartoon on Cartoon Network (the one that looked like a really bad Pixar ripoff) was sooo good, and its free on DVD when you purchase the boxed gift set those barbie-doll sized Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow.

-sickboi

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 5:32 PM (EST)
My Score:

I think Cartoon Network brought back the Masters of the Universe... This score is for Skeletor. I probably mispellt it because I lost the action figure.

-BSD

Posted by Icapped2pac on 2003-11-25 16:54:59
My Score:

"wow, you little emo fruits are still dry humping the living shit out of this overrated band, huh?"

Dude, unfortunately it's not just the emo fruits that are jocking these talent-wasting prog rock pretentious fucks, it's damn near every indie hipster and Pink Floyd shill out there. And when it comes to guitar solos, I'll take CC Deville and his big poof over Omar's canoodling. Solos should be left back in the late 80s where they belong, just like fucking jean jackets. What horrible 80s trend is gonna come back next, parachute pants?

Posted by ALineInYourBook on 2003-11-25 16:41:58
My Score:

"wow, you little emo fruits are still dry humping the living shit out of this overrated band, huh?"

I have to agree, even though I wouldn't exactly put it in those words...
At the Drive-In's demise was sad, and even then I loved the music but HATED Cedric. I can't get into music that no one can find meaning in except the one who wrote it. Sparta is definitely the better of the leftovers.
I have to give these guys props for playing THEIR music THEIR way and not doing things differently just for the masses... but there is a point where it becomes ridiculous.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 4:40 PM (EST)
My Score:

superdude-
stop writing weird shit
your comments remind me of the god awful amanda show

Posted by superdude on 2003-11-25 16:16:31
My Score:

This review was good, but here's how I would make it better:

1. Was the royal family in attendance? The Prince of Nottingham palace is a bad man, and could easily ruin the show

2. I've toatlly been to Mars, and there is no Voltas there.

3. Was anyone wearing leather, or buttless chaps?

4. That would be the bomb!

5. Maybe the Voltas were stolen from Mars.

6. Wait a minute....

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 3:48 PM (EST)
My Score:

Flemmy, shitty, nasty band. Time to shave the fros, bros.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 3:39 PM (EST)
My Score:

wow, you little emo fruits are still dry humping the living shit out of this overrated band, huh?

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 3:17 PM (EST)
My Score:

jamming is cool

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 2:43 PM (EST)
My Score:

this band is mucho gayo.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 2:12 PM (EST)
My Score:

mars volta deserves a 10!

man was i lucky when i saw them in seattle. they played the entire album straight through with barely any silence... i haven't heard of them doing that any other time.

Posted by maverick on 2003-11-25 12:30:35
My Score:

To the writer of this review:

Since you submitted it in the news queue and not the reviews queue, I have no way of knowing what score you wanted to give it, so I gave it a 7 judged on what you wrote. Let me know and I can change it accordingly.

-Scott