Mogwai
The Hawk (Rock Action)
From the tinkering of pianos to the colossal guitar riffs, Mogwai’s latest effort oozes perfection. Since debut ‘Young Team’, a whole decade ago, the band has shaped the landscape of British post-rock, if not post-rock in general, and ‘The Hawk Is Howling’ is sure to cement their already sterling reputation.
‘The Hawk…’ plays almost like a best of. ‘I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead’ wouldn’t sound out of place on ‘Happy Songs For Happy People’, with gentle piano notes giving way to an acerbic, glittering crescendo. ‘Batcat’ is a behemoth of a song, with snarling, distorted Glasgow Mega-riffs. ‘The Sun Smells Too Loud’ is pretty much pop music, Mogwai-style, despite the album’s lack of vocals, while songs like ‘I Love You, I’m Going To Blow Up Your School’ and ‘Thank You Space Expert’ are beautiful efforts, classic Mogwai, with gentle, teasing drumbeats being pushed by huge distorted and crashing wails of feedback.
It’s classic Mogwai, no doubt. Braithwaite and co. have taken the best parts from their previous works and thrown them into a melting pot of excitement, character and skill. This album is more than music for a sob-story on the X Factor (the auditions are entertaining, leave me alone), it’s the benchmark for post-rock for years to come.
Be careful Blur, be wary Rangers fans, stay alert, lethargic, lazy post-rock, because Mogwai are back, and they’re out to get you.
Euan L Davidson
