The Mars Volta

On November 13, 2001, The Mars Volta performed live at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, and this recording captures a unique moment in their early career. Just before this, they had released their debut album, 'De-Loused in the Comatorium,' in 2003, but at this point, they were still in the thick of showcasing their powerful live energy, transitioning from their roots in At the Drive-In. The band was less than a year old, having formed in 2001, and they were still in the process of carving out their identity as a force in progressive rock. An interesting tidbit is that 'Caught in the Sun' wasn't officially released on an album until later, which adds to the rawness captured in this performance. The blend of improvisation and tight musicianship shown here gives a glimpse of why they quickly became known for such dynamic and immersive live shows.

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