The Mars Volta Frances the Mute

It's simple math, really.

Music = art.

Art = culture.

Hindsight = the tragedy of culture.

Tragedy of culture = oppression. Oppression = tears. Oppression = sweat. Tears + sweat = labor = oppression. Oppression = rebellion = anger = erratic guitar + drums = backbone of album. Oppression = sadness = "Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore" = centerpiece of album. Oppression = lost identity. Lost identity = sadness = mariachi horns = "Miranda." "Miranda" = death. Death = terrorism = oppression = lost identity = creepy album cover. Death = ignorance. Ignorance = neglect. Neglect = "L'via L'viaquez." Neglect = intricate prose = self-indulgence = "Cassandra Geminni." "Miranda" + "Cassandra" = "The Widow."

Neglect = art. Oppression = art. Tragedy = art. Hindsight = art. Art = progress. Art = Frances the Mute. Frances the Mute = progress.

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Review by Michael Pollock

• Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus: A. Sarcophagi/B. Umbilical Syllables/C. Facilis Descenus Averni/D. Con Safo
• The Widow
• L'Via L'Viaquez
• Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore: A. Vade Mecum/B. Pour Another Icepick/C. Pisacis (Phra-M
• Cassandra Geminni: A. Tarantism
• Cassandra Geminni: B. Plant A Nail In The Navel Stream
• Cassandra Geminni: C. Faminepulse
• Cassandra Geminni: D. Multiple Spouse Wounds
• Untitled
• Cassandra Geminni: E. Sarcophagi
• Cassandra Geminni: E. Sarcophagi
• Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus: A. Sarcophagi