The concept of growing old gracefully has clearly passed Mogwai by. Whilst they may not be as fierce as they once were, eight studio album Rave Tapes shows that Mogwai have lost none of their power and indeed contains some of their most awe inspiring music yet.
When Remurdered first appeared last year as the first glimpse at the band's new material they sounded like they'd invaded Kraftwerk's Kling Klang studios and forced the synths to mate with their guitars. That song sets out the stall nicely for the whole album.
There are many Krautrock influences apparent here from the brilliant opener Heard About You Last Night through to Deesh's drones and beats and the album overall mixes the band's trademark power with analogue electronics and almost ambient parts to create a marvellous piece of work. Amongst the intensity there are glimpses of light too be it in the Simple Simon like intro Simon Ferocious which surely is a computer somewhere saying the track's name or in the uplifting and beautiful closer The Lord Is Out Of Control.
Long may Mogwai reign.
- David McElroy
Mogwai - Rave Tapes is out now on Rock Action Records.
