Vinyl LP pressing. Frances the Mute is the second studio album by American progressive rock band The Mars Volta, originally released in 2005. Produced by guitarist and songwriter Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, the album incorporates dub, ambient, Latin and jazz influences, and is the first to feature bassist Juan Alderete and percussionist Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez. The album also includes contributions from future saxophonist Adrián Terrazas-González, who joined the band during it's subsequent tour.