The Egyptian Room at Old National was absolutely packed full of diehard prog fans on Sunday June 6th. Although the band (which broke up in 2012) reunited in 2019, they only started quietly touring again in 2022 and this was their first ever venture to Indianapolis.
The Fancier the Touch, the More I Want to Die
Teri Genderbender is the stage name of Teresa Suárez Cosío, who, since about 2013, has been a frequent collaborator with Omar Rodríguez-López. She first joined Rodríguez-López onstage as part of his now-defunct project Bosnian Rainbows, and has supported The Mars Volta on tour for nearly as long as they have been reunited and back on the road.
Throughout the performance, Teri’s unwavering energy and raw authenticity shone through her hypnotic stage presence, captivating the audience and drawing them deeper into her avant-garde space. The band’s exploration of themes surrounding gender, identity, and social justice manifested as an ethereal stream of consciousness performance.
Silence Has Eyes for Her
The Mars Volta’s performance was an enigmatic display of musical genius and emotional intensity that left a profound impact on concert-goers, leaving me and my cohort of two long-time fans with much to discuss after the show. From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear that the evening would be a journey through soundscapes both intricate and powerful.
Opening with an otherwordly rendition of “Vicarious Atonement,” The Mars Volta set the tone for the night with their characteristic blend of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and experimental elements. Each song was a testament to their technical skill and artistic vision, seamlessly interjecting haunting melodies amidst the complex musical interludes.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the band’s charismatic frontman, delivered a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice, at times a haunting whisper and at others a soaring cry, conveyed a depth of emotion that resonated deeply with the audience. Towards the end of the set, it was clear that he was getting tired, but due to the inevitability of time, a certain amount of grace is to be expected.
Omar Rodríguez-López, the mastermind guitarist, showcased his virtuosity with intricate solos and emotional riffs. His playing was a masterclass in precision and creativity, adding layers of texture to the band’s expansive sound.
The rhythm section, anchored by tight, syncopated drumming and pulsating basslines, provided a solid foundation that drove the music relentlessly forward. The addition of keyboards and experimental soundscapes further enriched the experience, truly helping to immerse the audience within the cocoon of “prog salsa”. Multiple tracks featured bongos and maracas as well, a nod to the band’s Puerto Rican heritage.
The visual elements of the concert were simple, yet effective. The band had no need for a fancy backdrop, instead opting to play in front of the stage’s simple black curtain. The understated color washes in complementary colors enhanced the overall atmosphere as well.
The crowd was absolutely captivated from start to finish. Some fans sang along passionately, while others stood stock still, but all shared in moments of collective awe and reverence for these storied performers.. There was a palpable sense of connection in the air, a communal bond forged through the shared love of The Mars Volta’s music.
As the final notes of “Inertiatic ESP” faded, the audience erupted with cheers, their appreciation for the band’s artistry and emotional depth evident. This concert was more than just a performance; it was a profound experience that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness their enduring talent and the deep emotional resonance of their music.
The Good
-Rhythm section was particularly engaging and impressive; they kept the performance tight and moving, while still allowing for moments of reflection.
-This was an experience that most local fans never thought they’d have, so to be present was very sentimental.
The Not-as-Good
-Cedric is not the young man he once was; the vocal jumps to different registers definitely took a toll on his energy towards the end of the show. Absolutely not faulting him, as his vocals are generally very complicated and some of these songs were written 20+ years ago.