Issue date: 2/2/07 Section: Listen to this

Media Credit: Julian Lim

The Mars Volta can easily be traced back to a band called, At The Drive-In, in which two of the most important members of The Mars Volta, found their start. Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez were both members of At The Drive-In before joining The Mars Volta. To date it back even more, let's start with, At The Drive-In's first full-length studio CD, "Acrobatic Tenement."

"Acrobatic Tenement," provides a raw and insightful look on the two young musicians in their first band together, performing early songs such as, "Embroglio," and "Initiation." Although, the Album sounds like it was recorded in someone's bedroom, it adds the charm and unpolished hardcore sound that you would expect from a pre-Mars Volta band.

"Star Slight," the first track off the album, is an incredibly well composed song that you can only hear at sunrise to make the mood feel truly right. The fast notes of the drum blend together with the two competing voices layer and harmonize along with the strong bass line. The guitar alone sings as its own voice on this track as well.

If you are interested in hearing something raw and beautiful from a good early hardcore band, pick up the CD "Acrobatic Tenement" by At The Drive-In, and you will not be disappointed.

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