Mogwai have always been a special band. I thought the best way to review this album would be to put it in the CD player, press play and type. So here goes.
The opener "Sine Wave" has a wonderfully mysterious quality. One that's somehow tinged with sadness. This is going to be classic Mogwai.
Perhaps it's the layering of distorted sounds and echoed muffles, laced with the ongoing descendant chord pattern. It's one of those lump in your throat, I-know-this-is-going-to-be a very special album type opening tracks.
As it fades and drifts away it makes me think of times unchanged and better days. In fact, it will probably make you think of all the things you've left behind, all the friends you've lost and every other slightly momentary sadness in your life. It's just one of those songs. Well I thought so anyway. Older and wiser, it's obvious that Mogwai are entering a new age. The previous distorted and fanatic efforts of "young team" and "come on die young" have clearly been brushed aside. Maybe it's just Mogwai getting older, but this album is more mature and is absolutely and simply stunning.
Immediate highlights for me on first listen, are the winding fingerpicked guitar on track four's "Dial: Revenge", which features Gruff from Super furry animals. This track show's the diversity of the band and anyone that has in the past, pigeonholed Mogwai as always sounding the same, (and I've heard it said) needs only to listen to this album to see the richness and sweet sounds that lie within Mogwai's rough exterior. (Blur fans please take note) Also, track 5's, "You don't know Jesus", has a beautifully simple line when it starts, and in true Mogwai fashion, it builds and builds becoming a rich and entwining piece of music, which will have you transfixed for its 7 minute duration. You can probably tell that I like this album. I don't just like it in fact, I love it. It's what a whole generation needs to hear. It conjures up images of walks alone in a darkened forest and everything you've loved and lost will be remembered fondly when you hear this album. If this is what Mogwai have been building up to, then I think they're finally going to get the recognition they deserve. The Scottish lads have done us all proud. If this is Mogwai growing up, then I hope they take us with them. Because this is where we've all been waiting to go.