Edited in length but not in power
After seemingly stalling with the 'France The Mute' EP, some may think that Mars Volta have something to prove with their forthcoming album and its lead single, 'Viscera Eyes.' It's likely that Mars Volta will not have given the naysayer a second thought but the new track is a blistering return which is sure to spark fever ahead of the new album.
Kicking off with an intro similar to Led Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song' the power and passion is on show from the first word and the many roads and paths the track takes before the end highlight the musical ability and vision shown at times from the highly creative act.
More mainstream fans' interest may be piqued with news that John Frusciante (of Chilli Peppers fame) is all over the new album and his fluid guitar playing is only one small strand that goes into the Mars Volta combination. The horn section is used to great effect and the screamed vocals leave a fire in the hearts and minds of the listener. 'Viscera Eyes'is destined to be a live favourite when the band hits these shores again.
With the single version being an edited version of the album track (itself over 9 minutes in length), none of the impact is lost and there are even moments which may be confused for a chorus, although that would be stretching things a bit far. Nonetheless, this is an extremely impressive slice of full-on intelligent rock and hopefully the expectations that were placed upon Mars Volta in the beginning, are now coming true.
A fantastic welcome back from an extremely talented act.