Review: 30 Seconds To Mars - MTV Unplugged (Album)

REVIEW:

There’s something quite exceptional about a band who are famed for their overwhelming explosion of theatrics, movement and stadium filling anthems to then be consequently stripped down to the bare essentials and still deliver a resplendent and thoroughly intimate and astounding performance. On July 20^thJared Letoz, Shannon Letoz and Tomo Milicevic provided a beautiful and absorbing performance for MTV Unplugged. The trio gave us four songs for this EP, ‘Night of the Hunter’, ‘Hurricane’, and ‘Kings and Queens’ – followed by a cover of ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2 – it’s a small album, concise even, but the haunting congregational violins, solemn guitars and echoing velvet lyrics give these few tracks the longevity they deserve.

For me ‘Hurricane’ was the best representation of a steadfast performance. Jared begins with a slow moan alone without back up from any instrument before the violins erupt into the introduction we all know and love – the crowd, which is relatively small, howls with recognition. It’s a sultry and passionate song – the video of which was banned on its release from nearly all music channels – and with the mischievous and poignant voice of Jared backing it in this raw and simplistic set it only accentuates the ambivalent lyrics, evoking thought and pleasure and intrigue. It’s the sinuosity of his lyrics and vocals that link hands with the guitars, drums, violins and synths so subliminally we barely notice it without deeper inspection.

Another segment of praise can be given to the invites the band gives out to the audience for their interaction. Throughout the album there is the constant singing and appreciation from the fans – although sometimes out of time or tune it’s a nice little touch to have, that this band run and thrive with their family and congratulate them for their loyalty and love.

With a constant and vivacious symphony the men of Mars conquer their listeners with a barrage of stunning vocals, memorable guitars and the recurring hum of the violins – a strong enough combination to strike anyone and drag them from the hue of thinking they’re just three men with loud instruments that flit about on stage and hide behind volume – Unplugged lends the opportunity for a tranquil and calm display of their abilities and more importantly, their hearts. For anyone who needs a deeper understanding things, a small measure of peace in their hectic day or just a bloody good tune to listen to then this MTV Unplugged album is the medicine needed to quell the aching hole in your life.

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