MOGWAI- Happy Songs For Happy People
Obviously, this title is a joke. Mogwai don't seem very happy; yet they don't seem very sad, either. What gives? What's the story with these shrouded, moody lads? Let's look at what we DO know: they play oceanic (mostly) instrumental rock, heavy with atmosphere and pathos. To the extent that Sigur Ros are light and angelic, Mogwai are thick and earthy. Could it be that the Scottish skies refract light differently? Could it be a difference in food and drink? Matador records, their label, has offered this observation to help explain the enigma of Mogwai: "Confronted with a music that has all the emotional impact of the greatest rock, but few of its obvious signifiers, you're left struggling to make sense of the nebulous, but powerful feelings they provoke." Hmm, yes, a good point, thanks. However, our advice is rooted more in the body, in the physical joy of pure, deep listening than merely the aesthetics of rock hubris and rhetoric: TURN THIS SHIT UP. Available June 17th.
