Right after the inclusion of Ralph Jasso and Jason Lader didn't work for The Mars Volta, the band was left on a tight spot. Their tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in promotion of their debut album was getting close, but there seemed to be no one up to take those duties and complete the chemistry of the band. Those two bassists provided for strong performances, but the energy and overall ability was still something that needed improvements, and Omar seemed to be aware of that. It is really interesting that the month that Lader left the band would also mark the inclusion of one of the long lasting and recognizable members of the group.
Juan Alderete joined The Mars Volta by pure casualty, after receiving a call at random while he was working as a lawyer, leaving his musical career behind. However, he got a call in order to audition for the band, and with just two rehearsals Omar confirmed him that he was in, and that just a week later they would be performing live on the Troubadour. Hearing the story of how he got in is better coming from himself, specially on this interview, but it helps to show the ability on his bass and how that helped for him to quickly get into the pace of the group, filling the spots that were left empty with the previous bass players.
Juan Alderete joined The Mars Volta by pure casualty, after receiving a call at random while he was working as a lawyer, leaving his musical career behind. However, he got a call in order to audition for the band, and with just two rehearsals Omar confirmed him that he was in, and that just a week later they would be performing live on the Troubadour. Hearing the story of how he got in is better coming from himself, specially on this interview, but it helps to show the ability on his bass and how that helped for him to quickly get into the pace of the group, filling the spots that were left empty with the previous bass players.
This bootleg shows Alderete's first try at a live performance in very nice quality. There isn't much crowd noise, and one can actually appreciate the overall performances being delivered by all the members onstage. It is definitely something impressive to see the chemistry that would carry this lineup of the band forward would be present from the very first public performance they had. Comparing this to Jasso or Lader is night and day, it is like Gardner's energy but bringing a completely different formula. The setlist is very similar to the one that can be seen on the Flex bootleg recorded only a couple of weeks earlier, but it is all performed on a much more energetic and fleshed out way.
This Apparatus has incredible efficiency as an opener, with the band giving all their energy to a very intense song. Omar's effects, Ikey's keyboards, Jon's bombastic drums, Cedric's slowly evolving vocals, Jeremy's sound manipulation, and Juan's killer bass; they all come together to show the direction of the band from the start of this iconic lineup. The version of Take The Veil that is presented here is also one of the best from this early period, where compared to the previous ones, Juan's bass is more noticeable and takes up more presence coordinating with the other instruments, presenting a complete sound with a lot of energy behind it. The version of Eunuch Provocateur here also presents the jamming that extends to Drunkship of Lanterns, and this time around is carried on a much better way, showing a better execution at engaging on these improvisations that extend certain songs, leading into a much more complete chemistry, and a great concert.
Sadly, the recording of this concert is not complete, since Eriatarka, Concertina, Roulette Dares, and Cicatriz are missing from the set. Still, with less than forty minutes of audio one is able to appreciate the strong onstage chemistry that was being built due to the inclusion of Juan as a bassist. Thankfully, the recording in video of this incomplete performance can be found online for everyone to see and fully appreciate. While not the best quality, it definitely is great to see these artists coming together to deliver their all in the songs being played. Everything starts coming together, and it all was heading into a very special direction.
Something really special to appreciate from The Mars Volta.
Sound Quality: 7.5/10
Overall Rating: 8/10
Favorite Track: Take The Veil Cerpin Taxt
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