The Scottish group Mogwai is one of the architects of the post-rock genre and was widely followed with its baroque instrumental guitar music. Now that the genre seems to have passed its peak, Mogwai remains proud as a company that alternates the supply of soundtracks (including for the French television series Les Revenants in 2012) with new albums. Like Rave Tapes, their eighth, with a title that
… may no longer sound as provocative as Come On Die Young (1999), but which does put you on the wrong track. It is difficult to rave about their massive mid-tempo music. Mogwai also shows little news and they mainly show that they are still at their best in drawn-out and cinematic instrumentals full of hypnotic electronics and dissonant guitar eruptions. In between, there is also a one-off singing and a lecture about Stairway To Heaven set to music, but those seem nothing more than playful excursions. With a fine and well-cared-for album like Rave Tapes, Mogwai does not need to renew himself for the time being. (MR)more
