To get things quickly out of the way: If you want to listen to the entirety of De-Loused In The Comatorium performed live, this is the recording you should pick up without hesitation.
Many people who decide to get into the world of The Mars Volta eventually have the desire to see how this band would sound live. That is completely understandable, because the energy and intensity that this band conveyed onstage was something truly special, and it needs to be checked out. Show by show Volta seemed to expand or try out new ideas, showing snippets of things that were coming, evolving them slowly with their own talent, or just showing off their technical ability with their coordination in the live jams and improvisational segments. However, many people's first taste of this side of the group is something that didn't make justice to their true potential. Both official live recordings released by the band are nothing more than records with recordings from different shows put together into one, with some results that, although nice, were not really all that good in order to appreciate what this band could do onstage.
Many people who decide to get into the world of The Mars Volta eventually have the desire to see how this band would sound live. That is completely understandable, because the energy and intensity that this band conveyed onstage was something truly special, and it needs to be checked out. Show by show Volta seemed to expand or try out new ideas, showing snippets of things that were coming, evolving them slowly with their own talent, or just showing off their technical ability with their coordination in the live jams and improvisational segments. However, many people's first taste of this side of the group is something that didn't make justice to their true potential. Both official live recordings released by the band are nothing more than records with recordings from different shows put together into one, with some results that, although nice, were not really all that good in order to appreciate what this band could do onstage.
After the release of De-Loused In The Comatorium, the first of these official live records was released, the Live EP, consisting on tracks from a Maida Vale session paired with tracks from the band's concert at the Electric Ballroom. This particular one would come out on full eventually as a promotion for Frances The Mute, leading to the release of one of the most recognizable bootlegs from The Mars Volta, where they performed the entirety of De-Loused along side Concertina as an encore track (which would be the standard set-list during the first stretch of this tour) in early July 2003. These first sets were somewhat unmotivated to say the least. The band was still recovering from the loss of Jeremy Michael Ward, and they were trying to move forward with their music. After a month long break, they resumed touring in promotion of their album, but those first performances in July were something that didn't really reflect the whole energy and passion from all the members. But still, little by little they were recovering their energy, moving forward with the tour and still providing great performances. Comparing Electric Ballroom or the Live EP to the shows that came before and after shows many notable differences. And this recording of The Opera House in Toronto, a couple of weeks after Electric Ballroom, is a great proof of that.
The set-list is pretty much identical to the ones on previous concerts, also found on bootleg form, like Henry Fonda and Electric Ballroom, with the exception of Concertina being performed as encore. It is the entirety of their debut album performed front to back, with no changes in the tracklist whatsoever, and with some tracks expanded with improvisation segments. Hints at many things to come can be seen here, like snippets at what would become part of Vismund Cygnus, the improvisations showing the band having some fun (like when Cedric sings Major Tom for a bit), the feature of some onstage guests (like poet/artist Saul Williams on Eriatarka), and the display of the band's technical ability with their instruments when it comes to replicate studio elements and expand them in order to bring a full fleshed out experience. But there is one key difference with previous concerts on the tour. The overall chemistry, passion, and energy from the band is expanded and felt throughout this entire recording. The band is charismatic, and every element has its place within the sound that they provide, showing the wonderful proposal from The Mars Volta. It definitely is something that feels alive.
The sound quality here is great as well, being similar, if not better, to the one seen on the Electric Ballroom recording; with all the instruments, vocals, and effects being clear. The performances are great overall, with Cedric's playful and dynamic vocals, Jon's explosive drumming, Ikey's subtle and potent keyboards, Juan's bass precision, and Omar's varied and talented guitar compositions; all making up for a very complete sound that very well shows the experimentation and talent on the band on great quality. Sure, it is not the same without Jeremy's dense sound manipulation, but Paul Hinojos does a good job trying to fill that gap. The Mars Volta are giving their best onstage, with a recording that shouldn't be missed by any fan of the group or De-Loused. It is not perfect, and there are some moments where it could have been much more well presented, but still. The band its taking its first steps into implementing new ideas, expanding the songs with their impressive instrumental skills, showing their true potential as artists.
The band provides for a passionate rendition of their work, and it really should be listened to by anyone that wants to see their energy and talent onstage. A great album done justice on a great live setting.
Definitely outstanding.
The set-list is pretty much identical to the ones on previous concerts, also found on bootleg form, like Henry Fonda and Electric Ballroom, with the exception of Concertina being performed as encore. It is the entirety of their debut album performed front to back, with no changes in the tracklist whatsoever, and with some tracks expanded with improvisation segments. Hints at many things to come can be seen here, like snippets at what would become part of Vismund Cygnus, the improvisations showing the band having some fun (like when Cedric sings Major Tom for a bit), the feature of some onstage guests (like poet/artist Saul Williams on Eriatarka), and the display of the band's technical ability with their instruments when it comes to replicate studio elements and expand them in order to bring a full fleshed out experience. But there is one key difference with previous concerts on the tour. The overall chemistry, passion, and energy from the band is expanded and felt throughout this entire recording. The band is charismatic, and every element has its place within the sound that they provide, showing the wonderful proposal from The Mars Volta. It definitely is something that feels alive.
The sound quality here is great as well, being similar, if not better, to the one seen on the Electric Ballroom recording; with all the instruments, vocals, and effects being clear. The performances are great overall, with Cedric's playful and dynamic vocals, Jon's explosive drumming, Ikey's subtle and potent keyboards, Juan's bass precision, and Omar's varied and talented guitar compositions; all making up for a very complete sound that very well shows the experimentation and talent on the band on great quality. Sure, it is not the same without Jeremy's dense sound manipulation, but Paul Hinojos does a good job trying to fill that gap. The Mars Volta are giving their best onstage, with a recording that shouldn't be missed by any fan of the group or De-Loused. It is not perfect, and there are some moments where it could have been much more well presented, but still. The band its taking its first steps into implementing new ideas, expanding the songs with their impressive instrumental skills, showing their true potential as artists.
The band provides for a passionate rendition of their work, and it really should be listened to by anyone that wants to see their energy and talent onstage. A great album done justice on a great live setting.
Definitely outstanding.
Sound Quality: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Favorite Track: Take The Veil / Inertiatic
Favorite Track: Take The Veil / Inertiatic
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