Composer/Musician Reacts to The Mars Volta - Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus (REACTION!!!)

Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus
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[@varisfinndesign]

"Volta" in the band's name was taken from Federico Fellini an Italian film director's term he used for the change in between scenes, which this characterizes how much of The Mars Volta's music is written, especially in their earlier albums. Frances The Mute is a concept album and follows this pattern of having many different movements within a song to tell the story of each character they are describing through the music, hence the stark jumps in the song. The initial jump scare in the beginning of the song (also the beginning of the album, but technically not) is intentional and takes you from the calm description of Vismund Cygnus' sad tale right into his nightmarish warning of his struggles ahead. As for the guitar solo in the middle of the song, Omar Rodíguez-López (guitarist) seems to loop a few times before actually soloing, which he does pretty sneakily. All in all, understand that the song is telling a story more through the emotions you are supposed to feel while listening to the music (shock, angst, calm, etc.) like cuts from a love scene to a murder scene in a movie than the lyrics outright telling you what to feel. The middle section does build and drives back to the chorus pretty well imo, I just think you may have been so taken by the bass and drums that when the guitar was center-stage during the solo, it felt like a stark contrast at first listen. I highly recommend anybody listening to TMV for the first time to focus on one instrument at a time throughout the song to help keep them from loosing touch with the song, because their stuff is just controlled chaos. Middle section is my favorite part btw, heh.

[@peterwyatt5702]

But, it's like any art teacher would say to their students... "If you must explain the art to the viewer, you have failed." Have you ever heard a really bad joke? As in, a joke that was confusing to the listener of it, that the teller of it must do some additional explanation to clarify the joke, itself? By then, the humor has been completely dried up, and the Comedian has failed. There is no need for your explanation. The artist will have failed, if his or her viewers, or even the artist, themselves, must explain the "meaning" behind the work. For that would be because a viewer could not understand it, immediately.

[@thomblack736]

@@peterwyatt5702 thats a strawman arguement. What if the piece is designed to be not immediately obvious? Also what the fuck is wrong with fucking with your listener? I dont need to be parronised as an audience member. I want to be confused, defied and amazed. Actually think about what the artist might want to convey and you might learn something.

[@varisfinndesign]

@@peterwyatt5702 Any of my art teachers never told me that, and as an artist I even find some of the art that is considered by the masses as great, very lackluster and unimpressive. Art in any sense of the word(music, theater, photography, etc.) is not as straightforward as that. I would agree that if the artist is trying to convey a very direct message and fails to do so, then yes, you are right, but Cedric and Omar, especially in their earlieyears a s a band, expressed how they made music for themselves and didn't care what people thought of it, they were surprised that so many people were even receptive to it. My personal taste in artistic endeavors is greatly appreciative of works that may be difficult and confusing the first time they are experienced, but have a great amount of cryptic and enigmatic depth (i.e. TMV musically, Metal Gear Solid series video game wise, Donnie Darko cinematicly, etc.) That is just my taste in art, so I know that doesn't jive with the masses that tend to bend towards straightforward low-thought entertainment, but there is something to be said about having to earn ones appreciation of a complex piece of art, it's unique.

[@thomblack736]

@@varisfinndesign hey thanks for the response. I must have been angry that day! Sorry. Valid points

[@BroudbrunMusicMerge]

@@varisfinndesign So, uh... You make really good points, but by repeating the concept of you being "better than the uneducated masses," you come off _super_ snobby and dickish.

[@patriciavillalta6169]

TMV made anti-instant gratification music. Those long sections are very important and the journey you go on is WORTH IT. This is the greatest band

[@jackroyaltea5034]

And they pay off! Even tiktok understands this concept and they use it to hijack your mind. If you are constantly rewarded by videos you enjoy you will actually become bored faster. But by having vids you have to skip it keeps you engaged and scrolling. Then you get the hit of dopamine with a vid you like. That’s how this song works. It hits you hard. Then it relaxes you. Builds that desire for more. And then it levels you with that last rise. Reminds me of white rabbit in that way.

[@harryzack4115]

I COUNT THE DAYS TO FIIIIIND WHAT WAS LEFT BEHIND ONLY THESE NAMES I CLUTCH CAN LEAD ME TO MY HOME Etc lol the pay off in cicatriz wit ceds raw vocals is dope these guys n jack white are life

[@henryswanson1851]

Damn I'm dismayed by so many people not liking all the ambient stuff between songs. I love spacing out to all of it and the tension it builds makes the music so much of a payoff IMO.

[@Nightwishmaster]

This just takes me back to summer of 2005, around when I first discovered them. I got my license that year and it's like I can feel the air on my face cruising around when for the very first time in my life I had the freedom to go wherever I wanted on my own. It's insane how vivid it feels in my mind whenever I hear this band. I don't know why I stopped listening to them so long ago. Also it reminds me of playing Halo 2, I was in a clan called One Armed Scissor that was a group of us that all liked ATDI and TMV, good times!

[@henryswanson1851]

@@Nightwishmaster I know exactly what you mean. I always listen to How The West Was Won while driving around during summer. Brings me back to Summer '03 when it came out.

[@RyanRenteria]

omar and cedric always said that FTM is a soundtrack to a film that doesnt exist. the ambient sections literally make the album work

[@mgall3844]

Sign of the times tbh. People nowadays dont have the attention span. There's too much going on now.

[@meya3521]

its a culture of quick now now now. Sometimes its hard for people to just sit back and let things unfold

[@ryansadauskis]

Easily one of the greatest prog rock bands of all time.

[@patriciavillalta6169]

No. The greatest

[@thumbpunch]

2nd only to coheed and Cambria

[@Irishnfire]

Definitely one of the best of the modern era of music

[@timhalo7898]

@@patriciavillalta6169 king crimson would like a word...

[@patriciavillalta6169]

@@timhalo7898 look, maybe the closest they get to tmv in terms of musicianship is in the court of the crimson king but in no way shape or form do they touch tmv

[@HollowGolem]

I hated this song the first time I heard it. It's now my favorite TMV song. BUt it's a hell of a grower. That dissonant build-up/release at 9:03 is one of the most cathartic musical moments I can name. Like Gilmour's solo at the end of the ambient section in Pink Floyd's "Echoes." It just feels like a ray of light cutting through clouds. I'm a sucker for dissonant music leading into a clear melody, though.

[@doabarrelroll2636]

You just gotta take the plunge and listen to "Cassandra Gemini" the 30 minute closer to this album.

Yes please!!!!!

[@chrispadgett5900]

My favorite all time jam

[@mikedoyle9934]

Just rip the whole thing off Cuz l'via and miranda are another 20 and its basically the album with the widow. This song isn't cheap on time either. And it's mostly the ambiance with this one. A mountain to climb is those first 3 or four tracks on amputechture. Meccamputecture. That's a rush

[@Aloysius2113]

25 WIVES IN THE LAKE TONIGHT, RAW BARK IN THE WATER OF THE MARBLE SHRINE.

[@Muckduckly]

It’s a must.

[@The_ScapeGoat]

The bridge in 29/16 is a soft transition between 2 huge sounds. The chaotic dissonant latin funk explodes into the ambient electronic descent noise then everything gets quiet. The song strips down to just guitar, bass, and drums. The guitar slowly pulls itself together and the drums constantly build tension. That 29/16 rhythm is so effortlessly catchy and groovy. The guitar starts layering and the sound gets bigger again. Then the strings and voice come in with a more structured drum beat, and now the song is not only wide because of the instruments, but deep as the strings introduce more harmonic complexity and tension. The "Ooh yeah" part is the ultimate climax of all this building. It's bigger sounding that the rhythmic chaos of the verses. It's both harmonically and rhythmically cathartic as everything up to that point has been rhythmic or harmonic chaos. This song hit me right away because of these dynamics. The Mars Volta is progressive rock with a punk rock pathos. They reach emotional levels that most progressive rock bands aim to avoid (often at their own expense).

[@dottie.e]

very well written

[@jwhipp]

Gotta love that middle section. It's one bar 9/16 followed by one bar 10/8. Classic. Mind blowing shit when I was a young man.

[@dookiexfilms]

I would highly recommend listening to their first album (Deloused in the Comatorium) before the rest, I think it is the best intro to the weirdness that is Volta. Specifically songs like "Roulette Dares", "Cicatriz ESP" or "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt". Then of course the second album cause it's fucking amazing.

[@tomcutts9200]

Yeah I love deloused. You've named probably my 3 favourite tracks, but the whole album is a masterpiece.

[@RustinChole]

“Take The Veil Cerpin Text” is my go to if I’m showing someone unfamiliar with them, if I know they’re into good music. If they’re into less.....technical stuff, I go with Goliath or Wax Simulcra as an introduction.

[@swingonthespiral]

You cant listen to that section of cygnus the first time and get it. I surely didn't, but after repeat listens it's one of my favorite guitar solos of all time. It's like John Coltrane, it grows on you.

[@RikiazGaming]

Agreed. There is a lot of The Mars Volta that you just cannot get the first listen. But, at least for me, after I listen to it more and more, I only love it more and more and more.

[@swingonthespiral]

@@RikiazGaming Same. I absolutely adore the first 3 albums. Bedlam is good too but theres moments that are too out there even for me. Also the mix on it is garbage. The mix on frances is one of the best I've ever heard on the other hand.

[@varisfinndesign]

@@swingonthespiral Jon Theodore was the drummer on the first 3 albums an was a big reason the band had the groove they did on them. Cedric (singer) said that firing Jon was the biggest mistake the band made.

[@swingonthespiral]

@@varisfinndesign Yeah I've heard that. But honestly, the drumming on Bedlam is great too with thomas pridgen. Its mostly the mix, and Cedric's vocals that I didn't like on it.

[@martinezfacundodario]

It's the descernus averni section of the song, the descent to hell for Vismund Cynus after he/she discovered his/her origin. The music and the lyrics reflects this journey to hell. My fav song of them and one of my all time fav songs and records.

[@TheAlibabatree]

Omar (the composer and guitarist) is a musical savant. If this song feels disjointed to you, it was intentional. He has written some wonderfully melodic and tightly composed pieces. He even knows how to write good pop tunes. I highly recommend you listen to Frances the Mute in full, or at least more Volta stuff. Their music grows on you more than any other artist ive heard.

[@camhorejs]

I learned an interesting bit of info about Francis the mute recently that I had not heard before. Omar had all the musicians record their parts of the album separately without hearing the other instruments. He arranged and planned it all himself and was supposedly the only member of the band who heard the full songs until the album was released.

[@communionshaped]

@@camhorejs i think that was with noct not frances

[@mgall3844]

The first two full length Volta albums (Deloused and Frances) are truly something special. Everything they did is great, but those first two are on another level of artistic inspiration.

[@cobrakaiX]

I would agree. I love everything they did but those first two are amazing. However when I’ve gone back to their catalog over the years I find myself returning to Octahedron the most. I think it’s a really under appreciated album.

[@RustinChole]

Personally, it’s Deloused and Amputechture for me.

[@yunusemrekarabacak8539]

One of the best vocals in prog rock in my opinion.

[@brianzane5748]

If only he was somewhat consistent live 😢

[@dutchmastah07]

His voice is almost shot at this point. He can’t come anywhere close to this sound anymore 😞

[@Young_Bourdain]

too many years of ATDI and screaming

[@Purpleexpresss]

Listen the last concerts, cederic is on point

[@mikedoyle9934]

Context needed, for sure. They're an album band and the ending of the songt is a transition and theme of sorts that makes the feel quite spacey at times. They create quite an atmosphere and this particular album has what seems to be the most. You might like bedlam or noctournaquet, even amputechture has a lot you might like. This song is on Francis the mute which is why the disjointed feel.

[@alvinduran5540]

My sophomore yr i purchased tickets at tower records to go see A Perfect Circle. The Mars Volta was opening for them and Deloused was on the listening station at tower. I stood there for an hour listening to the entire album. What a fkn journey. Got a chance to see them on the deloused, frances, and amputecture tours. R.I.P. Ikey, these psychedelic journeys i will never forget.

[@Zombiejesus133]

I went to a show on that same tour I think! 2004? Senior year for me and my GF at the time wanted to sneak off to go make out or something during the opener so we missed Volta. I'll never forgive myself for it.

[@7thsygn]

The end part was a transition, this is sort of a concept album, not necessarily meant to be listened to in parts as opposed to part and parcel.

[@eulerianpath6355]

The Mars Volta is my shit

[@charlied904]

This album changed my entire perspective on music

[@mikemorosohk9131]

This album is absolutely something thats greater than the sum if its individual tracks. Its really meant to be a 1 hour song. They think of their music as a movie. This track is somewhat of an opening credits type of thing that runs into the start of that movie. Hence the sounds you hear at the end with the surround sound kind of engineering. I think they mastered the long form composition on the album amputechture. The song tetragrammaton nails it for me. Anyway, love watching your channel and hope that brings this a little more into focus for you.

[@StringHead92]

I actually like the middle section/weird solo a lot. It reminds me of a weirder Neil Young-esque solo, or some of the atmospheric guitar noodling some krautrock bands tend to go into. I appreciate what this band does even if I don't return to them a lot. They have some outstanding albums (more than songs, I'd say) and their energy is just so over-the-top in a good way, at least for me. I can get your dislike of the ending though, it somehow works for me, especially on the context of the album.

[@thewhorocks515]

I think the bridge after the solo would lose so much impact without the middle section. The solo is definitely chaotic and somewhat random but to me there is a psychedelic descent into madness kind of overarching build up to it. The solo isn't done in a way I'd typically enjoy, but for the song and the band I think it fits so well. I love the simple groove going on behind it too. Never understood the outro though and after listening to it once, I skip it every time. This is an album that doesn't need to be listened in full (well the second half does because it's all one long song split into parts) but it should be listened to in full. This is the first track on the album and I'll just say it comes full circle. Top 10 favorite album of all time for me. This band too is just so unique with all of its genre mixing I mean there's prog, jazz, punk, psychedelic rock, Latin influence, electronic, etc.

[@CriticalReactions]

It coming full circle is enough to get me interested in checking out the full thing. And I agree about needing the middle section to help out with the surrounding parts, I just wonder if the same intentions could have been achieved in a different manner.

[@jmarsvolta]

The middle(slow burn) section is my favorite part.

[@malevolentsound]

Same.

[@unk5107]

Mine too

[@howdylol]

For sureee mine too

[@emfie1]

If you do some more Mars Volta, I'd recommend something off of Amputechture! Tetragrammaton, Meccamputechture, and Viscera Eyes are all really great songs

[@CriticalReactions]

What is with those titles? 😂

[@jmarsvolta]

@@CriticalReactions Cedric makes up new words with half of his song titles.

[@warofages13]

Lol but he’s right about tetragrammaton. In my Top two songs by Mars Volta for me personally

[@Lebowski55]

Tetragrammaton is the perfect song for this channel. I'd love to hear a breakdown of it.

[@Odd_Combo]

@Critical Reactions Day of the Baphomets

[@pizzaface4079]

I have seen Mars Volta live 8 times in my life, some of the best concerts I have ever seen. Francis the Mute is my favorite album by them. It helped me go through a rough time in my life. Omar said in an interview to listen to the album at night to make more sense. His words helped me. The guitar solo is amazing to me. Yes I understand TMV is not for everyone but seeing them live will change your mind. The end of the song was Omar recording sounds from the street with a microphone, he picked up his neighbors fighting.

[@nicholasniebish2774]

I saw them 5 times.. and at one of the shows in a smaller venue (that honestly did not sound like it had the acoustics or equipment necessary to fully handle their sound output) a friend of mine that I brought along, who has an ear and appreciation for the unique, said to me that “this is the kind of music I’d expect to hear if I were ever abducted by aliens” haha not necessarily a dislike but more an undecided conclusion.. took him the following year when they opened for RHCP and he was sold.. he’s been a confirmed (and now album owning) TMV fan ever since that show

[@xcforce9067]

Great piece! But the second half of this album, Miranda/Cassandra, is astonishing! Some of the most intense stuff ever recorded! The middle section is there to build up a tension before the last blast. And even though guitar soloing is sub par in my estimation it does that job quite well IMO. Removing it would diminished the song significantly. Anticipation of that last blast is a major part of enjoinment for me. The outro is useless for me too. I never listen to it.

[@swingonthespiral]

Cassandra Gemini leaves you with a feeling like nothing else.

[@xcforce9067]

@@swingonthespiral Absolutely, but it starts with the second section of Miranda for me. Thats where it reaches the peak intensity. Which is then revisited in the later section of Cassandra.

[@thewhorocks515]

Yep Miranda/Cassandra is one of my favorite pieces of music ever.

[@adorno_gang37]

i like how he's nodding and smiling with an "ah yes, this classic prog trick" smirk on his face

[@Andrew46_2]

My two favorite bands to see live are Tool and Mars Volta. With tool you know what you're gonna get they play the songs almost exactly like the album. With Mars Volta every concert is different. It's like a big jam session with loose song structures.

[@progperljungman8218]

Man... new prog without metal is a major thing still! I could hit you up with hundreds of bands active in the 2000's 😊

[@evansmith6552]

I'm not too hot on the outro of this one either... but the mellow/ambiance in the middle really hooks me. I'm not sure I can put my finger on why I react differently than you, but I don't get the same disjointed vibe, and in fact find that section groovy as hell. The simple base and drumlines really carry it for me, while the guitar feels more like ambiance than anything that is meant to be focused upon, and the vocal line that comes in as the song builds up again gives me goosebumps every time. Then again I listen to a lot of prog/djent timey-wimey bullshit and find myself grooving along to some wild shit, so maybe my chonometer is just broken 🤷

[@3stringovation]

Agreed. That middle part always sinks me into a groove, with that oddly syncopated backbeat... Then of course it also provides dynamic distance for the face-smashing you are about to receive :-)

[@JordanPeacock]

God I love this song, and this record.

[@JordanPeacock]

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is easily in my top three living guitarists

[@JordanPeacock]

fwiw I think the song is representative; or, if anything, is *more* accessible than some other parts of their catalogue.

[@apoplexiamusic]

when it came out i got that very day and listened to it like 4 times in a row... back when music was still something special and sacred :)

[@oneforallallforone1821]

I agree with you

[@xdecidex]

this is probably my all-time favorite TMV song

[@michaelhand4246]

as a young person this album was my first big step into the world of ambient/atonal/experimental. I hated the long stretch out parts on first several listens. Then one day it clicked for me. I started liking more ambient/noise stuff after.

[@CriticalReactions]

I know I have a long way to go with enjoying more experimental music (rather than just appreciating it). It's something that I'm working on with each foray into this type of music though.

[@justynsullivan507]

Such a crazy song and album. Definitely read into the story of it to give the song better context

[@HHRain]

I'm hoping for a mars return in the near future, grew up with this band, will never let go.

[@screenheads3812]

First time I heard this song/ album I felt like throwing up. I am not kidding. Then a week later my brother told me to listen to it almost in the way of a movie soundtrack. And then it hit me and became my favorite album of all time ever since 2005. I had the chance to see them twice that year

[@cujocujo4942]

This is one of my favorite TMV songs! I got to hear it live last week and it did not disappoint! Top notch in every respect!

[@pasit1738]

The Mars Volta 🤘🏻 They made art from a chaos by doing what ever they wanted never minding about any conservative rules of music.

[@The_ScapeGoat]

Except they are a vocally driven rock band that uses catchy hooks and mostly ababcb song structures. The "rules" of music are descriptive, not prescriptive.

[@pastense]

TMV have a heavy jazz influence, which for certain ears just kinda goes over their heads which might be rubbing you the wrong way. But hey, its all good. I’m glad you liked what u liked. That gives u an opportunity to listen to it over and over again to appreciate something new each time.

[@violatorut2003]

Finally found a reaction video that feels genuine. Most reaction videos I have seen feel like they are rehearsed.

[@CriticalReactions]

That's my whole channel so stick around if you enjoyed this one. It's all honest and I'm not afraid to say I either didn't get or didn't like something; though I'll always attempt to find something positive to say about every song.

[@cujocujo4942]

The thing listeners need to remember is that Francis The Mute is a concept album. This is the opener giving context to the album. The last section is the scene of the abortion that ended up surviving, and the sound modulation was there to show anxiety towads time being against the baby. Knowing that may change one's perception of why it's there.

[@chrisjdgrady]

One of the greatest songs I've ever heard in my entire life. An absolute masterpiece.

[@theartistformerlyknownasje6358]

More Mars Volta reaction please 👍

[@trevorelms]

I've seen these guys seven times and they never failed to impress.

[@DavidWilliams-ic1nn]

this band creates a musical experience, not albums. this song sets up several musical themes / motifs that continue throughout other songs to come. as a whole this is a brilliant concept album. i highly recommend an uninterrupted listen from beginning to end! thanks for taking the time to listen!

[@Ivan-ud8op]

I'm glad to see someone who is honest about their opinion. Usually reaction vids end with the listener having no criticism of the song. The honesty is def appreciated. I love this band and when you actually know the song you see how the middle section fits. Good vid man

[@jakerushing4914]

i found this song hard to follow on my first listen as well but after a couple takes it's just such a banger. if im not wrong i do believe it is part of a concept album. Please please please react to tetragrammaton if u do another volta react.

[@nicktatertot7411]

I count that middle section as 29/16, which sounds kinda scary but I don't think it's in 4 because it seems to have an extra 8th note after the first 8 notes. I kinda feel it as 9 + 8 + 4 + 8, which if you count it super fast it seems to line up in my head. Super sick imo

[@tetrahelixx2490]

The Mars Volta is one of those band where you have to listen to the album from start to finish a couple of times. Only then will you begin to understand and love them. The first time I listen to them it honestly sounded just like a bunch of noise. The one thing you can defiantly say about The Mars Volta is that no one else sounds like them and that on its own is a hard thing to do nowadays.

[@nathanmann8542]

The band was a 6 piece at this time (they eventually got up to 7 full time). There's a keyboardist which doesn't come through all the time, but if you removed it from the song you'd notice. Also a percussionist, the 7th was a multi-instrumentalist, mostly saxophone. There's also a whole cavalcade of guest musicians throughout the years; Frusciante doubling guitar solos, Flea on the trumpet, salsa legend Larry Harlow, etc. Definitely one of those bands that aren't really meant for first listens, definition of a grower! Some of the dissonance you're bumping up against will trend towards being things you start to look forward to because you know how it fits and where it's leading. The middle bit is appealing to me not for the guitar but that steady build of of the drums and the great bass line. The interstitial stuff between tracks, or the end of this, only make sense in the context of the full album and probably aren't worth revisiting or even considering proper parts of the song. As mentioned elsewhere in the comments the actual production of the album was a bit unorthodox. This was their first album produced by the guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, it's worth checking out their previous album if only to see the difference in production styles. That first album really shows the Rick Rubin production influence. Unfortunately vocal quality drops from here on out. They're great here but not really technically sound which caused issues later on. It's certainly a heavy lift but the 32 minute epic from this album, Cassandra Gemini, is made for a critique along the lines of composition.

[@varisfinndesign]

They were a 7 piece full time band during FTM, Omar(guitar), Cedric(vocals), Juan(bass), Jon(drums), Ikey(keyboard), Marcel(percussion), Adrian(sax and flute). They maxed out with 8 full-time members later with Omar(guitar), Paul(rhythm guitar), Cedric(vocals), Juan(bass), Thomas(drums), Ikey(keyboard), Marcel(percussion), Adrian(sax and flute).

[@DavidHedriana]

string arrangements by Beck's dad (: [on Cassandra]

[@cygnusactual1618]

The best prog rock band ever. I know people will disagree but that’s just like, my own opinion man. In my eyes everything they have produced it pretty much next to perfect. Not one thing I dislike about that band except the fact they’re not producing more music currently. All hail Volta.

[@snuggilyd]

I love this Volta song. One of my favorites.

[@Dukhevych]

They are quite unique and niche but still popular. I love it, just can't listen to them for a long period of time, they are really exhausting for my mind (even though I like to listen to complex and progressive music) :D

[@aerahtv0000]

oh, boy, here we are, classics:) that's the album that took me sooo much time to get it when it came out and i still don't get it ))

[@KommentarSpaltenKrieger]

All I can say: For this band, playing very left-field stuff is not masking any lack of conventional talent/musicality. When I first listened, my impression was that everything was too much and that half of it would sum up to more (enjoyment or grandiosity). Now, while I would still say they could have cut out some repeated hook or two, this album especially is just an incredible experience.

[@tomcutts9200]

"I'm not digging this section." It's fine, another section will be along shortly. "Is this coming back, or is this a transition?" Who knows? They kinda stick these abstract ambient segments all over the place. As other people have mentioned, they work much better in the context of the whole album; I see them as a kind of palate cleanser making the next section all the more contrasting when it kicks in. It's like when Aphex Twin gives you 20 minutes of punishing noise just to lend that much more bliss to 10 seconds of melody.

[@Lebowski55]

One more thing. This video is a perfect example why your channel is probably the BEST reaction channel on KZbin. You are essentially ripping the song apart with strong criticisms. The majority of viewers are presumably fans of the music. But there are ZERO dislikes. That, sir should be the goal of every music reactor. 100% sincere, honest critique but somehow, the viewers still enjoy and appreciate the video!

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

I listened to this album and their debut almost non-stop when they came out. Both are still among my favorite albums, with Frances the Mute being one of my 10/10s. Always described them as Rush meets King Crimson meets Pink Floyd meets Santana on meth. I will say that this album is best heard as a whole. I don't know if it's a legit concept album (lyrics are indecipherable, surrealist nonsense), but it plays like one and is highly atmospheric and cinematic. Their music is so dense it also requires several listens to absorb it all. As for the middle section, I think like you say the chaotic nature of what's surrounding it makes it work, even if it goes on a bit too long. I guess I'm just one of those that don't always mind directionless music. You make the analogy with novels (or even films), but I'm the same way there too. I've enjoyed many essentially plot-less novels and films in my time. It always just depends on how interesting/engrossing they can make the "nothing happening." Great example is a film like 2001: A Space Odyssey. There are long stretches of that film where not much is happening, but it's always visually stunning and aesthetically engrossing. FWIW, despite being the first track on the album, this is probably my least favorite (other than the short, "commercial" track The Widow). L'Via L'Viaquez is groovier and more accessible; Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore is their ultimate psychedelic/atmospheric track, not terribly musical but extremely eerie, cinematic, and haunting; and Cassandra Gemini is probably their masterpiece. FWIW, the title track was actually cut from the album (for time) and ended up on the single for The Widow. When I play the album on my PC I put the title track after this one (some fans put it first).

[@CriticalReactions]

I hope to do L'Via L'Viaquez next since I love their groovier side.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

@@CriticalReactions TBF, L'Via also has a rather long psychedelic-esque outro itself. Really, you might dig their later stuff more when they started trimming back some of those tendencies, though personally I don't like any of their later albums as much as Deloused and Frances.

[@nicke5056]

@@jonathanhenderson9422 There are gems on octrahedron and noctourniquet as well

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

@@nicke5056 No denying. I actually like all of the post-Frances TMV albums, just not as much as Deloused and Frances.

[@triumphtinltcomicdg]

not every kind of music should be easy to listening to, in my experience sometimes first few auditions of an album it can be overwhelming, but after a few more auditions suddenly the pieces start to fit together, and then music starts to be nice and easy :)

[@Z_E_B_O]

The great thing about Mars Volta is that their albums, (especially their first three) are made with a clear thought of a movie or a greater picture. The songs are all named after people that appear in the story that help Cygnus find his mother, or the people who killed his mother after he was born. Also it still is heavily influenced by the diary that Jeremy Ward found in an old car about a guy who was adopted looking for his real parents. I like the ambient parts because they are similar to a smooth scene change (like a one shot movie). 22:40 Also as far as I can remember Omar pretty much told the other bandmembers what to play seperately, so they didnt know what the others were playing and then stiched it together. So maybe that's why it also sounded a bit disjointed.

[@Lebowski55]

If this song seems chaotic and non sensical, you should check out Omar Rodriguez Lopez's solo work. He has 30 something albums. That stuff makes this song seem like Weezer or Blink 182. As far as the middle of the song, its actually my favorite part. The love the dynamic contrast within the section. I love the psychedelic vibe and experimentation with sounds and tone. I love how he tries to make the guitar sound like NOT a guitar and the chaotic, free jazz inspired, seemingly random guitar work. Also, Jon Theodore is a great drummer. The style is all his own. Concerning the ambient electronic ending, I believe its leading into the next song on the album. The entire album, at least to me, can be considered one giant song.

[@articircle]

I’m with you on this one. It definitely lost me there in the middle. But I think I tend to have a difficult time with full-on prog side of things. I’m surprised at how excited you’ve been in some vids about getting back to doom metal given your general dislike of slow burns. Really curious to see if you end up finding that genre too slow, if we ever return to it.

[@ScarsUnseen]

The Mars Volta definitely liked to mix dissonance into their music, and jarring tonal shifts and meandering, trippy diversions are kind of par for the course with them. I'd say that more than most bands, The Mars Volta is more of an album band than a song band. Francis the Mute (which this song begins) in particular has a lot of stretches of near non-music in transition like what you saw at the end of this song. Another of their albums, The Bedlam in Goliath, has a theme of musical compositions purposefully decomposing into ambient distortion. Some of their later work, while less loved by the fanbase in general, tends to be a bit easier listens for those not fully on board with their way of writing music. I'd maybe recommend "Desperate Graves" or "Zed and Two Naughts" from their last two albums. Of course one song that you'll probably hear recommended is "Day of the Baphomets," and that is a fantastic song, but be aware that it as a LOT of rapid tonal shifts throughout. For something TMV adjacent that's good to listen to and avoids a lot of what you aren't digging here, I'd say to try Antemasque's "Providence."

[@AL_KING777]

could be overthinking a rock n roll band who at its core have been writing music for ages. TMV displays confidence in each others iP

[@bigalkool2897]

theres a 20 minute live version of this song where they improvise over the guitar solo and its just the best your ever gona hear

[@blakestonetablets3467]

Aren’t odd time signatures supposed to sound… odd?

[@alanagottalottasay997]

Miles Davis, Carlos Santana, Geddy Lee, Minnie Riperton and Eric Cartman walk into a bar....and mind meld.....yes the self indulgent sound scapes can leave you wanting....less of them...

[@MachineYearning]

I mean it's off a prog concept album, often hard to take one song out of the context of the whole composition. Especially when it's one of these 14 minute epics. There's usually at least one MTV/radio ballad on these kind of albums that stands alone, but for the rest it's more about the forest than the trees

[@lateralus9244]

There are definitely some sections of their songs that take some time acclimating yourself to as the guitarist ventures off into a barrage of chaotic discordant notes to set the mood he wants to create.

[@sonicplys64]

When I first listened to Frances The Mute, I HATED it. After about 100 listens, it's one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@zachhernandez2842]

i can see TMV songs being dissected in music composition classes a few decades from now tbh

[@es6799]

The part with a “7 feel” isn’t in 7. It’s a bar of 9/16 + 10/8 by my count. That’s probably why it feels weird, because Instead of being a total of 28 sixteenth notes (would feel like 7) it’s 29 sixteenth notes.

[@johnbriggsmusic]

Yep, that’s how I hear it too. Although if I was playing along, I’d probably count it as a bar each of 3/8, 3/16, 6/8, 4/8, but obviously that would be a nightmare in written form.

[@timhalo7898]

dude the so called middle section is just a quiet dynamic version of the 7 riff and thus all part of the same riff build up and pay off. Youre insane if you dont appreciate the perfection of this song's structure. Its just a straight song, but with an extended bridge, basically.

[@RadioactiveKetchup]

The Mars Volta is in many ways complete chaos. This band is like having everything on max settings with almost no concern for compatibility, and of course as a fan I mean this in the best way. Omar is the main composer and can really only be likened to a mad scientist of some kind. I totally understand not being into it though. Theres a funny quote that I found about Omar which is "Omar's specialty is knowing what notes to play and not playing them." He's a weird and wild dude, for sure. Thanks for checking out the song though I love seeing videos on Volta

[@josephpickard3108]

The first time I listened to this album I disliked it SO MUCH that I didn't play it again for another six weeks. I was obsessed with Deloused so I couldn't believe how different it was. Now it's probably in my top ten all time albums.

[@CriticalReactions]

Oh man, I've been there before. It takes guts to release something drastically different from previous works. Headspace and expectations are so important to a first time listen of something and can color our experience with a work so heavily. I'm glad you ended up giving it a second go and approaching it on its own terms.

[@pascalg16]

Interesting band , unique

[@CriticalReactions]

Can certainly say that about them. I would never get these guys confused with anyone else.

[@wyburp7970]

@@CriticalReactions When they lost their sound manipulation guy from an overdose (after comatorium), this band never been the same.

[@robertgarside3827]

@@CriticalReactions man, you really really need to listen to this album as a whole.

[@kupk6125]

The mars volta is the only band that have fans saying “that one part at 30 minutes is my favorite part”

[@j.prt.979]

Swans 🦢

[@MetalSlug-ev5wu]

Let’s see how he gets on with something from what I think is their most challenging album.

[@pechondelgado]

How have you not done any Zappa yet?

[@TeamZer0_Phoenix]

The live version of Cygnus on KZbin is absolutely amazing. Wasn’t with Theodore but I think Thomas Pridgen does a killer job. Also they jam on the end part of the song where it fades on the studio Frances version. Mars Foreverrrrr 🤘

[@MichaelJohnsenOslo]

8:27 - This is the intermission where you hear what the cooks in the kitchen are experimenting on. Your meal will be ready in due time, sir. Just look how happy you are to get it: 10:18

[@thomblack736]

yes mate! amazing. more volta!

[@jbswreckfest19283]

@22:00 I feel that all the time and it’s really bothersome. Like a lot of dream theater songs feel unlistenable for just that reason. But when the feel is right an odd time can really go off and I love it when it works

[@Justinsox39]

This band takes time to marinate. The parts he didn’t like are my favorite parts now. At least 15 listens before it starts to click. These guys are on my Mount Rushmore.

[@MilesTippett]

You should check the 20 min live version!!!

[@cygnusactual1618]

There is The Mars Volta and then there is just everyone else.

[@CriticalReactions]

I can certainly agree on that 😅

[@swingonthespiral]

I should also say, the parts of this were all written without the other members hearing them. The guitarist wrote the time signatures and key, and let everyone come up with their own part independently.

[@Isaiah_McIntosh]

This has to be a joke right?

[@thewhorocks515]

Pretty sure this is true.

[@utubedestroysmytime]

I think it was more a la miles Davis where no one heard the final product but he wrote everything and asked them to play it like it was the entire song as a solo

[@swingonthespiral]

@@utubedestroysmytime It was like a jazz chart. Not an actual score.

[@NathanFiorentino]

Everyone didn't come up with their own parts, Omar was notoriously a massive control freak with the Mars Volta and with his solo work at the time. From what I remember reading, what supposedly happened was that all the musicians (aside from Omar himself and probably Cedric too for the most part) learned and recorded their own parts without any context. They weren't allowed to hear the other musicians' parts and were meant to record their own tracks as though their own instrumental track was a solo instrumental track. Additionally, if I'm remembering this correctly, not only were they not given the context of each others' parts, but they also didn't record the entire song in one take, different sections of the same songs would be recorded separately and out of order, so essentially they wouldn't even know what song each part was from or what parts they connect to. That being said, I don't know if this was even necessarily always the case throughout the entirety of all of their albums. There were some parts of songs that the band had been playing live presumably before the album was even recorded, so they'd definitely know the context of at least a few songs/sections. Pretty neat nonetheless though. *edit: also I assume a lot of improvised sections were recorded together. I think I specifically remember reading that a long improv section of Cassandra Gemini was recorded together as a group.

[@waterguyroks]

Love the Mars Volta and I do really enjoy this song. I disagree with your conclusion even if I agree with your points. The song is quite disjointed, the middle section is a bit long and the ending is way too long and boring (I usually skip it). Despite that I think the fantastic vocal hook and incredible rhythm work is enough to keep me interested.

[@DavidHedriana]

Along with what others have said about it being important in the context of the album, themes and motifs are brought back in both the title track (not included on the cd) and the closing track, Cassandra Gemini, which speaks to me from a composition/arrangement standpoint* The first two albums are like films, Amputechture more episodic: iirc inspired by Rod Serling's "Night Gallery" The composition, lyrics, and narrative that comprise the album as a whole form a gestalt from which a song is but a piece. The transitions and ambience take on further meaning as you connect the dots & "become one of the others" ~ the twin (Gemini) of Cassandra, blessed with foresight, but cursed to never be believed about it... ~ this never happened, but I saw you leave, and crawl into a bed of broken windows. The musical allusion to Finnegan's Wake also creates a container for the album to be experienced as a ritual/journey - or a portal, even, wherein the listener can enter the liminal space of the journey, and be returned from whence they came (the bed of broken windows / cattle farm) The extended metaphors go across albums, too, imo, and that's one of my favorite parts of the band

[@DavidHedriana]

Only these names I clutch will lead me to my home : the album is the book of names (Lovecraft country, anyone?) And then in Cassandra: One day you'll remember Behind the melting cones You always had a family In the burial of your home

[@MarcMo1985]

Frances The Mute is one of my top5 favourite albums. A masterpiece.

[@MilesTippett]

Middle section is in 29/16!

[@MilesTippett]

Counted 9-12-8

[@Dukhevych]

I did just notice, that there are no reactions to Bent Knee on your channel. Bryan, you have to check this band! They're really something special. Berklee alumni, every member has it's own place in mix, extraordinary musicionship, strong vocals, violin that really works. I suggest any of these tracks: - Way too long (for it's structure and explosiveness) - 2014 album - Battle Creek (for it's atmosphere and cool melody) - 2014 album - Sunshine (for it's cool interpretation of an old song with a crazy ending - OMG THAT ENDING - especially from live version) - 2014 album - Catch light (for it's development and catchiness) - 2019 album - Being Human (for it's experiments and progressiveness - only live version) - 2014 album They are much better live than in studio works - much more energy. So I recomment to check any live version of these tracks.

[@Ramoono]

I think context is a big part of it. The story is about a person that's starting a journey looking for their biological family and it does start with a lot of confusion, being static, lack of direction. I believe all of this is on purpose, because we're meant to feel what the character is feeling. It is a concept album and all the songs blend into each other, with a lot of ambient sounds that are to give you a bit of content of the character's current situation in his search. Each song represents a character/place he encounters, and their lives are not neat, so we get that represented in the songs. Each of the songs on the album are completely different and unique. Many people will ask you to review Cassandra Gemini, I love it as well, but I think it doesn't give it justice without listening to the rest of the album, and even maybe the whole thing several times, even more knowing a bit of what it is about. It took me a while to "get it", but I really love this album in its totality and have absolute respect for the band to create something so unique and different at the cost of popularity and acceptance. We have too many other bands that can give us that.

[@DavidHedriana]

The context for the title is that each song is a character based on this diary Jeremy Ward found in a repo'd car ~ Vismund Cygnus is the name, but presented like "Bond... James Bond"

[@pascalg16]

I hope Deftones will be coming up next this week.

[@maxmaidment96]

There's at least one section of every Mars Volta song I've heard that seems objectively bad sounding, yet I always get the feeling it sounds precisely as intended. There just a certain language barrier that keeps me from understanding why it is they want it to sound that way. I respect their uniqueness more than any other band, yet I never listen to them for recreation or comfort, only exploration.

[@RyanRenteria]

lol its not in 7/4. if we break that phrase down into 16th notes its 9+12+8, so you could call it 29/16 if you want. or a bar of 9/16+6/8+4/4. i prefer to look at it as a series of note groupings within the 9+12+8 pattern, which is basically: 4+3+2 / 4+3+3+2 /4+4 that follows the strong beats well and also outlines how the drummer and rhythm guitar are accenting the syncopated beats. also, in this way you can see how each bar starts with a 4 and then goes to either a 3 or a 2, just in elongated or truncated ways.

[@CriticalReactions]

Thanks a ton for that breakdown. It helps to see the complexity of that section. And tbf, 7/4 could be written as 28/16 so I was one 16th off, which I figured out on a first listen of a very complex section while also keeping the rest of the section in mind. I'll take that as a win in my books 😅

[@gilsaraiva5815]

Like all movies, the ambiance sounds are to build up tension between 'tracks" / scenes. Remember, the album is a movie. My regards

[@plexus]

7/4 or 7/8 feels way more natural than 5/4 or 5/8 to me... maybe it’s cause I’ve jammed out to it a lot on guitar... maybe it’s because I’m a huge TOOL fanatic... I dunno... but a 7 count just feels like it’s got more room to breathe before the odd measure cutoff than a 5 count. Anyone else feel this way?

[@jasonrd316]

Omar says when he composed these songs he wanted to do them like a Fellini or Tarantino movie, but rather than look at a scene and write a song about the scene (basically like an accompaniment), he wanted to write a song that makes you feel like the scene makes you feel when you watch it. That's why it's so jarring at times, it's meant to be. That middle section you refer to is meant to feel like it's supposed to be calm, but what lies underneath is jarring. The Story here is about a person who IS lost, he seeks to find out about his lineage that's been lost to him. You said that middle section was directionless, confused, and that's definitely where the protagonist is in this story at this time. Another thing to note, these songs were also written like movies are made, where scenes are directed and recorded at various times, and at the end the director puts together the scenes and the actors see the story for the first time in full at the premiere. Omar did this with the musicians...they came in one at a time, and one day they just do all quiet parts, another day they do heavy, fast, or more rhythmic parts. Then he constructs the song and plays it for the band once it's done, then they all relearn it as one single song. Very interesting way to compose...I think if you dig into it more you'd appreciate it a lot, cause it's definitely not how things are standardly done.

[@BlurredVisi0n]

best reaction channel on youtube.