The Scottish quintet’s 8th album has pulled out the majority of the stops. Impeccable gradual build-ups and destruction litter Rave Tapes, along with a lingering gloom. Essentially, a musical personification of the Scottish countryside.
It’s the band’s second release on good ol’ Sub Pop. Due to the label’s dark and unique signing tendencies, Mogwai fit like a glove.
‘Remurdered’s opening riff is so moody, it could make a pubescent, side fringe-sporting boy’s toes curl. Distortion is generously applied. It’s the most radio-friendly track on the album (hence its early availability on Sub Pop’s Soundcloud).
‘Heard About You Last Night’ is dreamy and innocent and sweetly coincides with the title. It’s also the introduction to the instrumental build-ups fondly recalled later in the album. Gentle preparation for the listener of what’s to come.
‘Hexon Bogon’ is disappointingly weak. A fuzzy directionless jam sesh. Clearly, someone mistakenly hit record and accidently included it on the album.
‘Replenish’ has a rather self congratulatory spoken intro of: “Further into the tape I came across another part that made me throw the headphones right off my head. I couldn’t believe what I heard,” followed by ramblings on some underground track called ‘Stairway To Heaven’. Bizarrely, it works.
Mogwai have established themselves as unable to do no wrong and Rave Tapes is evidence. Still managing to create music as, well… good so far into their career says a lot.
Predictably, in the not so distant future they will become one of Scotland’s national treasures.
Mogwai? Because they’re exceptionally good.
RT @isthismusic: Album review – Mogwai: – Rave Tapes – http://t.co/KkwAKiASwT