Mars volta actually is a love or hate band, I promise you if you listen to frances at the mute track 5 through the end it will def change your mind(hopefully anyways). Some of the music really does have a pink floyd type of sound, but in their own way you know?
I just bought there live CD today and I must say it's not one of the best cd's I have heard, the recording is horrible but it does have some pretty interesting parts. I haven't finished it, listening to it right now actually. Only cons I see is they have to many long drawn out parts that don't have much music to it. Honestly though, there are many bands that try to have high pitchd parts but couldn't hit them.