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Scotland’s most famous (mostly) instrumental rock group Mogwai will drop their eighth studio album, Rave Tapes, next Tuesday, January 21, 2014 via the legendary Sub Pop Records (and on their own label, Rock Action, in the U.K.). But if you can’t wait that long, it is now available to stream in full at SoundCloud.
The new 10-track-long LP was produced by longtime Mogwai associate (and Delgados drummer) Paul Savage, whose production credits go all the way back to the first album, Mogwai Young Team in 1997. Having done some scores/soundtracks over the last several years (including the score of French TV series Les Revenants in 2012) it should be no surprise that this new record contains more of a cinematic feel to it than previous efforts. It is also technically the follow-up to 2011 album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (one of the most memorable album titles in recent years, by the way).
One of the early tracks released, “Remurdered,” features some dramatic, electronic-based fills played over brooding bass and a catchy, constant beat, while the peaceful “The Lord Is Out of Control” prominently features Vocoder-aided vocals. And though the band has dropped the ear-splitting aspect of their sound from the early days, they still rock out on tracks like “Mastercard.” In all, it’s another true Mogwai record.
Fans can pre-order Rave Tapes on iTunes and via Sub Pop now (and the latter includes a limited edition box set option). Catch Mogwai on tour in Europe over the next couple of months or so and in North America this spring, including at Coachella in April.
