Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling (Wall of Sound)
4/5
By: Matt Tomiak
BUY DOWNLOADMogwai's forte has always been the ability to fashion layered sonic textures which convey myriad narratives without the need for a single word. Like 2006's tremendous Mr Beast, this album (Stuart Braithwaite and co's sixth studio offering) sees the post-rock veterans striking a similar balance between gargantuan, powerhouse instrumentals and simmering, less tempestuous - but no less effective - melodic efforts.
This dichotomy is illustrated via the opening two tracks on The Hawk Is Howling, as the stately, measured 'I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead' leads into the Herculean wail of 'Batcat.' 'Local Authority' and 'King's Meadow' proffer a delicate allure, and elsewhere we find an injection of dark humour (a track entitled 'I Love You, I'm Going To Blow Up Your School') and something closely resembling Super Furry Animals' 70s-hued pop in the shape of 'The Sun Smells Too Loud.' The aptly-named closer 'The Precipice' provides the grand finale, rising to a billowing crescendo to see THIH out on an imposing high.
In an era of imbecilic, vacuous pop moppets and contemptuously careerist indie drones, Mogwai's majesty continues to resonate.
Artists in this article: Mogwai
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