MARS VOLTA
Scab Dates
Universal
· I’ve got to say I’m a teensy bit disappointed. But only a teensy bit.
The Mars Volta are one of the most talked about live bands in the world, with their tangent-heavy, two-hour plus shows garnering them equal parts praise and derision. Scab Dates was supposedly going to put their best live improvisations from 2003 to 2005 onto one disc – an idea that had this jam-lovin’ reviewer very excited. Although the result isn’t quite as awesome as I’d hoped, Scab Dates still conveys the volatile live power of the band, even if it does have some frustrating diversions.
The album begins with a sound collage that sounds like it’s coming over a PA system. This would make for a cool opener if it were only 30 seconds, but at almost five minutes you begin to wonder when the band is going to come in. Luckily, it does, they tear into "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt," with Omar’s guitar riffage riding atop the insistent pound of the rhythm section.
Although the track is extended into three parts, the band manages to keep the energy up the whole time, with Cedric hitting notes that make Robert Plant sound like Isaac Hayes. The other centrepiece of Scab Dates is an almost 40-minute version of "Cicatriz," the other tracks consisting of "Concertina," a song from their debut EP and some isolated improvisations. "Cicatriz" begins with some good organ work and wah-wah guitar, but the CD really takes off at the beginning of track 10, with Omar playing a tasty riff that’s equal parts funky and spacey.
The band proceeds to improvise off said riff, with Omar showing that he’s not hype when it comes to guitar heroics – and it’s easily the highlight of the album. The real problem doesn’t come until track 12, when the band is suddenly interrupted by what sounds like backstage chatter, and the music is relegated to the background for several minutes.
Backstage mutterings aside, Cedric and Omar are in fine form for most of the album and the entire band displays a high level of communication and musicianship. Scab Dates also consists of about 80 per cent new music, so you can rest assured that you’re not paying for the studio albums with clapping and cheering. And the best part – no sing-alongs. Lordy, how I hate sing-alongs.
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