Mars Volta are very different here in their expression: however I would not necessarily fit this as an album- it seems more accurately a stage of progression.

Frances the Mute had more of the feel of an album with its consistance in style- and by having more actual songs. This album rarely actually seems to go full in to song. There are outbursts which are undeniably funky and catchy- the places where they continue riffs and ideas through. But more often than not the album is in limbo between songs- not just in Limbo but often in solo.

The choice here is yours, I personally preferred the overall structure of Frances the Mute. The endless soloing in this album I often find to much in the struggle for the music to progress- amd it is more careless.

However, I still admire the album in its new approach to the Mars Volta sound- Mars Volta being one of the most exciting bands I can relate to the dead scene of modern day music.