The Mars Volta: The Widow

But just when you thought you had them figured out, they confuse matters even more with 'The Widow'. With its strong commercial sound, they break the convention of being unconventional with a ballad held together with a powerful melody and solid structure.

And while there is very little evidence of the random language written in the heart of what we are used to from Omar and Cedric, it remains an emotionally challenging masterpiece that jolts a prickling sensation all over the minute your ears tune in. Much of this is owed to Cedric crooning with youthful vigour in a bluesy tone, resonating every note like fragments of shattered sparkling glass. Complimenting this are the melancholic horns decorated with jagged guitar trills giving it a sassy edge, which eloquently shows off their Latin American roots.

Overall, a truly sublime trinket that successfully propels them into a diverse class of their own.