Octahedron

The contrast couldn't be greater. Previous Mars Volta album The Bedlam In Goliath started as if the band were looking at their last day on Earth, and continued as a frenzied hour of guitar-led intensity. 

Octahedron goes to the other extreme, beginning with an almost inaudible quiet. At least a minute passes before any sound can be properly determined. It's strangely disconcerting, as nobody gave the band permission to do "quiet", surely?!