NMF: The Mars Volta

It's Friday, and I'm in town, so that means another edition of The Cody Blog's New Music Friday.

A couple years ago, Mars Volta's agent sent me some of their music to check out. I'd probably like the band anyway, just because they hail from my hood, El Paso, TX, which, 130 miles away, is the closest airport to my hometown, Ruidoso, NM.

Roots regardless, this is simply one of the most progressive, mind-bending bands on the planet today. They pull in all kinds of influences, from acid jazz to hard rock to poetry reading in their music --- and they create sounds seemingly uniquely un-influenced.

Start at the beginning with their EP "De-Loused in the Comatorium". Hear the high notes weave into the syncopated beat, countered by distinct rhythm, all grounded with a little disonance. Then listen to the band mature with a slightly more mellow and sensible sound in the ever-trippy "Frances the Mute".

Sit back, relax, grab some wine and let the music meander around your mind, seep into your subconscience, erect its structures on your empty planes, and expand your horizons. I'm tellin' ya -- this is some deep sh*t, man.