The Mars Volta's sophomore release, De-Loused in the Crematorium, is a decently constructed epic. The post-At the Drive-In project carries with it much of the energy of the previous band, but without any of the edge. Though the vocal harmonies are just as strong, if not stronger, than their previous project, and the stream-of-consciousness lyrics still impress, the relatively standard rhythms and instrumentation leave you with a slightly hollow feeling, like you should be getting more.

The album suffers a lack of cohesion, and even the experimental moments and celebrity affiliation (the line-up for this recording included Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea) can't rescue it from a notch just above mediocrity. Perhaps if that last At the Drive-In album, Relationship of Command didn't exist than this record might have seemed a bit better, but it's impossible to avoid comparing the two, and De-Loused in the Crematorium simply falls short.

Still, this is a decent album, and a strong major label release, which just supports my argument that if the RIAA affiliated labels spent more money on finding and recording good bands and albums and less on lawyers, they might not have a problem.

-Todd Berry