The Mars Volta - Echoplex, Los Angeles

What was supposed to be a secret show wasn't really a very well-kept secret. The Mars Volta—that Phoenix of a band that rose from the ashes of the dearly departed At the Drive-In—had people lined up around the block hours before the doors were even opened. Not only that, but even though tickets were said to have been "beyond sold out" there was still a line of fans queuing up in hopes of getting in, with some of the side-walk weary fans having camped outside the venue the night before.

Photos by Alexis Roberts

For those lucky ones who did get in, the doors opened a half-hour later than scheduled (8 PM), and the band sustained the suspense by not taking the stage until 10:30 PM. In the meantime, the Low End Theory DJs kept everyone entertained and mostly sane. Once the Mars Volta (all eight of the touring members for the new album, The Bedlam in Goliath) managed to squeeze themselves onto the stage, the energy in the room went through the roof. Opening a fifteen song set with an old favorite, "Roulette Dares" (from Deloused in the Comatorium), was a great choice as it set the tone for the rest of the show.

Photo by Alexis Roberts

Their performance was everything that you would expect at a Mars Volta show. There was never a tangible beginning or an end to any song; they just stretched on and on into what seemed like infinite jam sessions, but somehow remained captivating. Amidst the jamming, you were able to get your fill of spastic dance moves from Cedric and Omar and delight in the pleasure of hearing Cedric’s signature falsetto ringing in your ears, floating above the rest of the music.

Photos by Alexis Roberts

Photos by Alexis Roberts

It was a long and fulfilling set with songs off of all of their albums, as well as new material that will be showing up on the forthcoming release. They closed out the night after hours of getting insane on stage with another old favorite, "Drunkship of Lanterns," which was the perfect completion to a very fulfilling set.

—Alexis Roberts (all photos copyrighted)
1.02.08