Rock Action - Mogwai

Rock Action

Mogwai
Matador Records.

SCQ Rating: 80%

Mogwai aren’t afraid of expressing themselves. They’ve lambasted fellow musicians (making derogatory T-shirts about Blur, telling Keith Richards he should take his own life, etc.) and proven themselves contrary to everything from current trends to making albums. Thankfully, the Scottish boys realize that recording is the best way to both express their talents, as well as defy expectations. Each release since Young Team, their landmark debut, has been successfully rebelling against the loud/soft dynamics that made them a permanent fixture in post-rock circles. Come On Die Young rattled in dusty corners like an old appliance while a string of EPs hinted at more epic expeditions in metal.

Those hoping for more of the latter were likely writing some of the disappointed reviews posted on Amazon when they realized that Rock Action wasn’t what it sounded like. While Mogwai have re-written their rules again and flipped the bird to anyone still praying for a Young Team II, they haven’t abandoned the mood and structure that made them critical successes. ‘You Don’t Know Jesus’, the best example of their old style, is droning garage-rock while the garage burns down. It’s a suitable centerpiece to Rock Action, delivering a squall that begins building with the keyboard hum of ‘Sine Wave’ and passes with the born-again solace of ‘Secret Pint’.

And that’s where the album, like those before it, establishes itself as a completely new Mogwai-experience; through allowing mood to reign over song-craft and having the confidence to explore new avenues (and ultimately, new strengths). ‘Take Me Somewhere Nice’, the first of many vocal tracks, is a consistent mood-piece that eventually, and only, swells to the presence of strings and horns (!!!!). The easy-answer of deafening guitars is ignored again at the close of ‘2 Rights Make 1 Wrong’, as the plucking of banjo carries the earlier melody into a dreamy haze of interwoven vocals and static.

A strong collection, striving on their fearless use of sensitivity, restraint and new sound, is also likely their best.