Tuesday 16 September 2008

Mogwai - Mr Beast (2006)

Mogwai are a band that I had ignored for some time as I stuck with my oh-so-reliable Explosions in the Sky and blinkered myself from the big scary world that can be "Post Rock". The thing about Mogwai that I never realised is, they aren't really that "Post Rock". They don't differ in a "16 minute long feedback epic" (see Boris or Godspeed) kind of way but instead in a way that means they just happen to write more interesting melodies, arrangements and songs than most British bands. Sorry Coldplay. They write the kind of music that conjures up anger about inferior bands, say, the Ting Tings. If Mogwai we're a steak, the Ting Tings would be a party sausage. No substance and supported by a little prick, sorry, I mean stick. Anyway, I have digressed.

Mr Beast is the bands 5th studio release and while not always critically acclaimed, contains enough stand out material to keep a wide eyed new fan like me entertained. The album is a dynamic and exciting listen with each track retaining enough stand alone value to shine individually. My personal favourite, "Acid Food", is a beautifully subtle song with it's steady beat and wondering bass providing the platform for truly stunning guitar work. However simple at times, the guitar harmonies are just perfect.

In contrast, the following track, "Travel is Dangerous", highlights the switches in style that the album takes by providing a brooding 4 minutes which explodes in aggressive fashion before simmering down again. Underneath the melodies and vocals lies a tight and interesting rhythm section which coaxes you through the opening bars and beyond.

The rest of the songs ebb and flow like the two highlighted with particular mention to the piano led opener, "Auto Rock", and the grand closer, "We're no Here". If you have even a bit of time for some intelligent and moving music, try Mr Beast. It will satisfy your hunger!

Mogwai - "Acid Food"

18 comments:

apoxonbothyourhouses said...

ummmm, dude...

mogwai INVENTED the 16 minute long feedback driven post-rock that you say they are not.

Like Herod?

My Father My King?

anyway, i like the album. not as good as "the hawk is howling" or "come on die young", but friend of the night might be their best, most accessible song.

Josh Brown said...

I'm talking more Boris, Feedbacker, but I'm sorry. I know they write long songs. I will amend.

Nicholas Polydor said...

"Auto Rock" and "Acid Food" are my faves - the former is fantastic for starting off DJ sets. Around the release of the album, though, I seem to recall my post-rock lovng mate Andy Cumella saying that he wished that "Auto Rock went on for longer and got noisier".

And Josh, can't believe you're hatin' on The Ting Tings! Tut tut! (From Hudson and myself!)

Nick Polydor

Josh Brown said...

Yo Nick,

Nice one for reading. Sorry to you both for hating on the Ting Tings but I think they are terrible. I swear most of their bass lines have been stolen off a pre programmed electric drum kit. Just so, average!

Josh

Anthony S. said...

Hey man,

Good critics! Love "We're no here".

JUANMA said...

Good job. Mr.Beast is a great album, and you're right, being a Post-Rock band Mogwai makes more enjoyable melodies than the most of melodic-not instrumental-rock bands that rule the radio stations.

JUANMA said...

Good job. Mr.Beast is a great album, and you're right, being a Post-Rock band Mogwai makes more enjoyable melodies than the most of melodic-not instrumental-rock bands that rule the radio stations.

JUANMA said...

Good job. Mr.Beast is a great album, and you're right, being a Post-Rock band Mogwai makes more enjoyable melodies than the most of melodic-not instrumental-rock bands that rule the radio stations.

JUANMA said...

Good job. Mr.Beast is a great album, and you're right, being a Post-Rock band Mogwai makes more enjoyable melodies than the most of melodic-not instrumental-rock bands that rule the radio stations.

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