If you’re searching for screaming guitars and epic ballads that seem never-ending, look elsewhere. Glasgow natives Mogwai have deviated from their typical sound with their latest release — Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will takes the fierce electronic compositions and heavy atmosphere that once permeated through their albums and subdues it.
They’ve traded in incessantly static guitar chords for more flowing ones. Gentle piano notes are awash with soft distortion and feedback. The at times painfully long tracks are now shorter and more concise, and give the album a solid identity. Mogwai have grown and allowed their sound to mature, and it shows.
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With a well-developed mix of high energy and soft, transient tracks, there is a peaceful haze that shrouds the album. “Letters to the Metro” and “Death Rays” are soft and airy. They move effortlessly along in a thought provoking and meditative manner. “How to Be a Werewolf” is more upbeat and relies heavily on steady percussion. It builds to a distinct and hopeful guitar riff. They are engaging and, like the hazy days they are reminiscent of, utterly pleasant.
Breathy vocals drive “Mexican Grand Prix” and “George Square Thatcher Death Party.” They swirl above bouncing keyboard strokes and upbeat melodies, providing a fresh and more intricate sound. The use of vocals is sparse, but well done.
Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is different much of what Mogwai has done in the past. They’ve never seemed like a band that would be terribly innovative, outside of the genre, but this new album begs to differ. The passionate melodies and new approach to composition has helped them to create an album that is truly lovely.
(Sub Pop Records, 2013 Fourth Avenue, Third Floor, Seattle, WA 98121)