The Mars Volta. I think maybe ATDI are a slightly more efficient band and do more with less, but TMV throw so much in, and even if it doesn't all stick it's much more interesting.
Definitely. The arabient section just drags on too long, it would have had a much stronger impact if they'd kept it down to about 2 minutes. Though, when the guitars do kick back in it's a big pay off.
The overuse of quiet arabience is what makes Frances my least favourite TMV album, although I haven't downloaded Amputechture.