Post by superfuzz on Mar 8, 2014 19:33:19 GMT 1
can't disagree with that really - not feeling it and it's not really improved greatly with repeated listens.
I know it's a bit harsh but "half-heartedly fumbling for a new direction down the back of Errors' couch" is right on the money, IMO.
From my point of view, "Rave Tapes" works extremely well as an album (with the exception of "Repelish" as the deliberate odd man out).
It continues the development that Mogwai have taken since the release of HWNDBYW. Yes, it's definitely more electronic than any of its predecessors, the songs are quite short compared to earlier Mogwai songs and the quiet / loud contrast is not as striking as it used to be. But there's something like a common thread or vibe running through the new album.
I wouldn't necessarily say that Mogwai sound a lot like Errors on "Rave Tapes". I assume they have just integrated more of their various musical influences on this album than ever before (the krautrock influences in particular are quite obvious and Rob had already outlined the similarities to Telstar Ponies in "Blues Hour"). If I had to draw some parallels to the recent musical development of any other of my favourite bands, it would be this one:
The other thing is how the new songs work individually when played back to back with the songs from Mogwai's extensive back catalogue (e.g. in the context of the live show).
So far, I've only seen one show on this tour. My personal impression is that, now, there's rather some quiet / loud contrast between the old stuff and the new songs. And that might not always work in favour of the new off "Rave Tapes".
The crowd did appreciate many of the new songs - but in fact they were keen on hearing the old 10+ minutes long classics. (Let's face the truth: Nowadays it's highly unlikely that one gets to hear MFS, Xmas Steps, Like Herod, Ex-Cowboy and MFMK all within just one set. And, no, shouting one's requests at the band during the quiet parts of the songs doesn't really help either as many seasoned Mogwai fans can affirm.)