REVIEW: The Mars Volta with Kianí Medina and Feliz y Dada: Live at Coca-Cola Roxy - ATL
- Mikey Smith
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
The band embraces a unique artistic vision on their Fall 2025 tour
Experimental rock outfit The Mars Volta performed their latest record Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio (Filthy Lucre; The Eyes of the Void) front-to-back this week at ATL’s Coca-Cola Roxy. The sprawling, jazz-inspired album enthralls and challenges fans especially in the group’s live experience.
The band brought along two openers for the Fall leg of the tour: KianÍ Medina and Feliz y Dada. The latter were the first to perform, and even in their relatively short set, their impact could not be denied. Many could label Feliz y Dada as strange, but it’s all intentional. Their unique performance and the mysterious aura surrounding the Puerto Rican act are a strength, fueling the mystique surrounding their set. Based on a comic-book, the artists have evolved from film characters to a social experiment to an audio/visual performance art piece.
They may not be your traditional opening act, but Feliz y Dada bring a new and innovative energy to this kind of show. From the second they stepped onstage to the moment they vanished, it was near impossible to look away. In terms of performance art, that skill is the key to success.
Also from Puerto Rico, KianÍ Medina played a minimalist yet dynamic set carried by her stellar vocals. Playing with her brother, Medina flowed seamlessly from song-to-song, defying the genre boundaries one may hold to her. Although her set was also relatively brief, it went over quite well with the audience.
Backed by exciting production, Medina’s opening show was smooth and well-crafted. An artist whose casual nature doesn’t overshadow her powerful performance skills, you can expect to hear more about her soon.
At long last, The Mars Volta began their headlining show with a dedication to the late Brent Hinds from Atlanta’s Mastodon, a tender moment paying respects to an icon from our city. Without any further intro, the group jumped right in to their full album performance.
Back in March, I saw The Mars Volta open for Deftones at State Farm Arena alongside modern-day shoegaze group Fleshwater. Like this weekend's show, the setlist during that performance contained the entirety of their then-unreleased 2025 project. While I appreciated the craft of their art, that Deftones performance felt slightly out-of-place between two other groups performing heavier (albeit similarly melodic) music.
This time at Coca-Cola Roxy, however, felt more appropriate for the group to display their new work of art. It goes without saying, but Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio is a good record. The choice of sounds across the album with Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s hypnotizing vocals (especially when combined with touring vocalist Teri Gender Bender’s) is truly remarkable. It is incredibly clear that the group has a vision that they want to share with fans.
That vision, no matter the context, is incredibly fascinating as well. This tour employs subtle theatrics, whether it be in the sharp movements of the two leading vocalists or the massive solos from the backing band. It all culminates to a performance that is bound to have anyone who may not have been familiar with their newest work give it a spin.
However, while this experimental record is great live, and The Mars Volta still carries an evolved version of their sound, Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio is the only music the group plays on this tour. I respect this choice as they embrace a new work that clearly contains tons of love, but I'm sure fans would have enjoyed an encore containing one or two nostalgic hits. Nevertheless, I appreciate the band choosing to follow their instinct over standard expectations.
In the end, The Mars Volta is still as sharp live as they’ve ever been, even if they decide to stick closely to their new work. Diehard fan or casual listener, it's crystal clear that the band still knows how to wow in ways you might not expect.
Thank you so much to The Mars Volta, their team, Live Nation, and Coca-Cola Roxy for letting Art Seen ATL cover this awesome show!
The Mars Volta's newest album Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio is out now via Clouds Hill
Article and photos by Mikey Smith. Please credit @mts2.photo or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.
