Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Mogwai, a post-rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, has just released their first studio album in almost three years. Let there be no doubt: Mogwai still has what it takes to rock out.

Recommended tracks:
Rano Pano
San Pedro
George Square Thatcher Death Party
How to be a Werewolf

For those unfamiliar with the genre known as post-rock, it can be described as music that uses traditional rock instruments and chord progressions, but with an emphasis on the instrumentals, rather than vocals, which are often absent. Typically, vocals are the most recognizable and distinctive parts of a rock song. Mogwai scarcely includes vocals on their tracks, and when they do, they not prominent or distinctive, but instead act as an instrument. It is important to note that it can often be difficult to make a song engaging or interesting with the absence of vocals, and it is a testament to Mogwai's great skill that they are able to create such fantastic albums.

Hardcore Will Never Die begins slowly, as Mogwai are apt to do, with the track "White Noise." The song slowly builds in speed, and transitions well into "Mexican Grand Prix," one of the few tracks with vocals on the album. I could continue to comment on every song on the album, but I believe it is ultimately unnecessary, as one can only gain a true appreciation for any music by listening to it for themselves. Instead, I will highlight the tracks I believe to be most worthy of attention.

The next track, Rano Pano, is an excellent example of how post-rock operates. Rather than featuring a vocalist, electric guitars are used to slowly build tension, and go through some thoroughly interesting chord progressions. The skillful guitar playing entirely eclipses the need for a vocalist.

After "Death Rays" slows it down a little, San Pedro starts strong, and doesn't let up until the track is over. Once again, the progression of the guitar throughout the song is interesting and engaging enough to render a vocalist unnecessary. Moreover, I believe vocals would subtract from the quality of this track.

George Square Thatcher Death Party, like San Pedro, starts strong and stays strong. Vocals are present on this track, but they are largely indistinguishable, and compliment the instrumentals, rather than superseding them.

The last track I'll comment on is How to be a Werewolf. I really can't do justice to this track in writing. Suffice to say, it's incredible, and you should listen to it and judge for yourself.

Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will will be released on February 14th, 2011. I highly recommend it, especially to post-rock fans.

- Taimur