Ironworks, Inverness 9 May 2008

Mogwai

WITH THEIR fifth album due for release in the summer, the Glasgwegian alt-rockers Mogwai apeared at the Ironworks for a night of unique, experimental music. Formed in 1995, the band have built a reputation for their spacey and abstract sound whilst maintainig their hardcore roots.

They were supported by Aidan Moffat, formerly of Arab Strap. His lewd lyrics and humourous storytelling – complete with bizarre sound effects – ensured the night got off to an interesting start.

Mogwai opened with their track ‘The Precipice’ from their upcoming album filled with powerful, heavy riffs, and a pleaser for fans eager to sample the new offerings. With a heavy emphasis on the guitar the brooding, sinister sound set the tone for night.

As the band moved on to ‘Hunted by a Freak’, their experimental side emerged with Stuart Braithwaite’s haunting electronic vocals. Throughout the set Mogwai’s trademark atmospheric and at times melodramatic sound was evident in ‘Friend of the Night’ from the 2006 album Mr. Beast, which was melodic and typically distorted, to the more chilled number ‘Stanley Kubrick’.

Throughout the gig they continued to pick up pace, building into an almost furious climax before repeatedly falling back to harmonious melodies with an almost spellbinding effect. ‘Batcat’, which will also feature on the new album, revived Mogwai’s post-rock roots with plenty of heavy riffs, bass and distortion reminiscent of the Deftones.

Finally, after little rapor with the audience as their focus was most defintely in their music, they played out with ‘We’re No Here’ before exiting in darkness leaving the crowd to bask in the afterglow and amp feedback.

Although intriguing to any new listener, their unique and meditative style is certaintly one for fans of this genre of experimental and instrumental rock. A little difficult to get into as it did become monotonous at times, Mogwai have proved with their impressive following that their new work will be as well received as they were tonight.

© Amy MacBeath, 2008

Links

• Ironworks
• Mogwai