those elements aren't found on this episode.

just like other elements or themes seemed to permeate/dominate and build up/crescendo with previous albums...

it's taken me 5 listens of realizing how much John Frusciante actually played on the previous albums. (between Stadium Arcadium, Bedlam, & Empyrean Frusciante was KILLING IT!!!)
those parts/voices are still there though. maybe played on synth. maybe played on acoustic. maybe played on just a straight clean tone with no effects.

but yeah...

this one sort of wipes the board clean and re-tools the nucleus Omar & Cedric with new drummer/kindred spirit DeAntoni Parks. Juan Adelerate Peña Gomez-Kahlo holds it down on bass. And Lars and Marcel (I think?) hold it down on keys and synths.

I love/hate comparisons but this album feels like their "In Through The Outdoor". (lol)

This schitt is still moody as hell though. It's still epic and bombastic in spots, and ornate and twisted in others...or in some songs all at once.

Mind you I'm not one of the folks that tries to make sense of any Volta lyrics or themes.

Their albums are great juxtapositions of meter and shadow & light.
They are the "smartest" 21st Century Rock Band

s.blak
I"n the Time of the 6th Sun... We are cattle to the prod." <---That's pretty Funkadelic

keep: looking,searching,seeking,finding