Mogwai Announce Intimate London Show

One of Middle Boop's all time favourites, the majestically marvellous Mogwai have just announced a rare intimate show at London's Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on Wednesday 9th February.

The tickets go on sale at 1 o' clock today and are available to buy over at the ATP Site.

Mogwai's new album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is released on February 14th.

Errors - Celebrity Come Down With Me (Rock Action)

There are normally only two reasons to release a remix album. Either to appeal to a different audience who (hopefully) learn to love you for yourself and finally buy your maudlin un-dance friendly release, or, so you can show off how many cool people you have at hand just chomping at the bit to remix your shitty track. In this case, Glasgow 4-piece Errors seem keener to showcase the talents of their friends, and also possibilities that lie with both the band and their songs. Perhaps they are living vicariously through the dance acts they have employed here to manipulate their sound, or perhaps this is their warning that the indie to dance ratio of their next release may be shifting. But don’t worry, probably not.

Each song is taken far enough away from the original to be worthy of its inclusion here, but the tracks which really push the boundaries of CDWM are from Gold Panda and Wax Stag. Gold Panda’s version of A Rumour In Africa bleaches out the layers of the original track and what is left is a pleasantly primitive, and at times euphoric, effort. Wax Stag’s more immediate, driven take on Germany rejuvenates the song into something that bursts with all the energy of a classic dance track. The Field, however, stay closer to the original melody of Bridge or Cloud, but drain it of much of its’ easy-listening elements to produce a never-ending monotonous dirge, the likes of which most dance fans should enjoy, but others may find a little self indulgent.

The track most people will be eager to hear is Supertribe. Their label bosses Mogwai have taken the already heavily electronic track and (thankfully) lost the pretentious French intro (when will people stop erroneously mistaking French samples for instant cool?). This softer version plucks the track out of the nightclub and injects some awkward synth to make it actually far more listenable. It’s the small changes here combined with layering of each artists’ own signature sound which make it a varied and engaging release.

One could question whether this album might alienate fans of their guitar-based electro, but, as Errors themselves proved with CDWM, in 2010 the barriers separating mainstream indie and dance are virtually non-existent. Similar to Health/Disco (Health) or Everybody Hertz (Air), this should satiate both loyal Errors fans who have already played CDWM enough to warrant a new copy, or people who are new to the band, but just can’t get enough of that electronic indie crossover (seriously, how much do you need?). Just as enjoyable (if not probably more so) for those who didn’t love CDWM, CCDWM is the perfect post club album for people with eclectic friends. It doesn’t have a shit track you’ll need to get up to skip, the artists are all cool enough to embarrass anyone who dares ask “What the fuck is this?”, and it’ll take at least three plays before you realise it’s been on repeat all night.

Words : Maya-Rose Boustany

Mogwai - Album Artwork and New Song 'Rano Pano' Revealed

In the lead up to Mogwai's hotly anticipated new album Middle Boop are extremely excited to not only unveil the new artwork but also give you a mouthwatering taster of the beauty that will be 'Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.'

Rano Pano

Mogwai Announce New Album Title and Track Listings

Glaswegian legends Mogwai have been hibernating this summer in Chem 19 Studios in Hamilton (mixing in their own studio Castle Of Doom) creating their seventh studio album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.

The new album which was recorded by long time producer Paul Savage will be released through Rock Action on 14th of February and in America on 15th February via their new American label Sub Pop.

Tracklisting:

White Noise
Mexican Grand Prix
Rano Pano
Death Rays
San Pedro
Letters To The Metro
George Square Thatcher Death Party
How To Be A Werewolf
Too Raging To Cheers
You're Lionel Richie

Envy - Recitation (Rock Action)

Tonight I lit a strawberry shortcake scented candle, laid back and listened to Recitation by Envy. I was fooled by the early ambience and transported to a place of calm, a sonic haven if you will. However, by the second track, my haven [and speakers] were destroyed by a howl, a screech and a roaring assault of the senses. Envy is perfectly schizophrenic- ambient one minute, manic the next.

Going into this record, I knew nothing about the band. Our good friends at Rock Action describe them as “one of the foremost hardcore/screamo bands in Japan”; I cannot argue with this. These days however, they have infused a post rock sound, whilst retaining a hardcore aesthetic- creating a soundscape of raw, emotional brilliance. Unsurprisingly, the band has ties with Jesu and Mogwai; the latter have even had Fukagawa [Tetsuya- Envy vocalist] guest on I chose Horses from the superb Mr Beast album [thanks again Rock Action]. Despite the language barrier, Envy have a solid following outside of their native land, much like fellow genre-benders The Mad Capsule Markets [do I lose cool points for mentioning this band?].

Recitation sits alongside other fantastically named albums, including A Dead Sinking Story and 2006’s Insomniac Daze, which was the bands last full LP release. However, since then, they have toured extensively [playing the Explosions in the Sky curated ATP], released a live DVD and released a split LP with the aforementioned Jesu. Together now for twelve years, has constant touring and recording taking its toll on the band? Is the title of their fifth album a statement about the torturous cycle of touring, or even music in general? With no understanding of the Japanese language [I really should make an effort], lyrically, I am not sure. Musically however, Recitation is innovative and eclectic- blending punk rock chords with a music which takes the listener to a much higher place. Surely they can’t be bored?!

Like the best examples of the genre [Happy Songs for Happy People, All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone]; Recitation is emotive and rewarding. Tracks like Piece of the Moon I Weaved and Worn Heels and the Hands We Hold are epic and ferocious, without seeming overly long. In stark contrast to a band like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Envy resist long intros, which in terms of the genre, is risky business. To let a track slowly grow over eight [or in Godspeed’s case twenty] minutes before letting rip into a wall of sound is like great storytelling; using pace and structure to further the text [in this case song] to a satisfying climax. However, tracks like A Breath Clad in Happiness take less than two minutes before they let rip into the heavy ‘sweet spot’, which is exactly what makes Envy and in particular Recitation, so interesting. As a rookie listener, I honestly didn’t know where the album was going to take me next. I enjoyed the screamo vocals, the soft breakdowns and the integrity of the music- Recitation has balls and is easily the best thing I have listened to for quite some time.

Words : David Campion

Twilight Sad - The Wrong Car Ep

From the very beginning of their short existence, Twilight Sad already had that something not a lot of bands do, hence why they were signed to Fatcat after barely playing a handful of gigs but it wasn't until Forget the Night Ahead, released late last year that saw the band grow substantially in confidence and song-writing ability. It was this growth that saw the Glaswegian four piece produce one of the highlight albums of last year resulting in support slots with the likes of Biffy Clyro and Mogwai and headline shows at the Scala and Garage.

The Wrong Car ep carries on where FTNA left off in spectacular style, the self titled track weighing in at just over seven minutes displays everything this band does well, beautiful melodies disguised under heaps of distortion, drone and lord knows what other effects, big beating drums and an insanely catchy sing-along chorus. In the wrong hands, their sort of music could easily sound bad but Twilight Sad have really whittled down their art of bringing order into chaos and manage time and time again to produce something that's so loud and aggressive yet delightful and uplifting all at the same time. With added orchestration and piano parts, this really is the winning formula.

Two bands, both mates of Twilight Sad gave some time to remix tracks from their last album, first up is Mogwai with a more minimalistic, almost techno take on The Room and Errors making their electro based mark on Reflection Of The Television. This four track ep is even further proof that Twilight Sad are without a doubt, one of the most underrated bands going at the moment.

Words : Gordon Reid

Mogwai Announce huge UK Dates

We at Middle Boop are very excited to announce that Mogwai will be back next year with some tour dates in February in support of the new material that they are just about to step in to the studio and record with Paul Savage.

February
17.02.11 Bournemouth O2 Academy
18.02.11 Cardiff University
19.02.11 Bristol O2 Academy
20.02.11 Leeds O2 Academy
21.02.11 Edinburgh Picture House
23.02.11 The Regal, Oxford
24.02.11 Birmingham Institute
25.02.11 Brixton O2 Academy
26.02.11 Manchester Academy
27.02.11 The Sage Gateshead

Also, if you haven't already, don't forget to check out their film Special Moves. It's fantastic.

Mogwai - ‘Burning‘ Party - The Scala - 3/6/10

Another fine night at the London Scala as tonight is not your ‘usual’ sort of gig with the venue gearing up for the first London showing of Mogwai’s new feature film ‘Burning‘

A DJ set by fellow Rock Action buddy Steve from Errors provided magnetic beats in the foyer, music to subliminally listen to as the seamless changeover with Andrew Hung of Fuck Buttons rocking up to the decks, his electro/ techno mish-mesh provided the perfect appetizer for an eagerly anticipated film.

I managed to catch support act ‘Remember Remember’ who really came through with the musical goodies. An over abundance of layers, progressively engineered into a myriad of sound with xylophone harmonies and delicate samples, anyone who has seen Remember Remember before would have been in for a surprise as this was no mere solo show revolving around acres of loops, James Swinburne appeared with a five strong band along with him allowing tracks such as 'Mountain' to really sound their best. With so much going on I couldn't help but find myself comparing them to a less vintage Arcade fire.

The feature film begins; the impressive piece was filmed in black, white and greyscale tones, however I was one of the lucky few that had a nifty view from behind the main projection screen fabricating a Sepia style illustration, setting the mood as the hundreds of bleary eyed fans vision watched, transfixed upon the imagery before them.

‘Burning’ was filmed at the Music Hall in Williamsburg VA on April 27-29 capturing performances from 3 nights by in house art director Vincent Moon who had clearly taken the time and careful planning to cover almost every angle imaginable over the duration of the shows.

It is an exquisite film, full of dynamic contrast, insightful cadence and conquers the best parts of their live performance. It is a little on the short side at only 8 songs long but quality over quantity each and every time and Mr. Moon’s direction has quality in abundance, cleverly congregating the raw essence and sheer heaviness of classic Mogwai tracks such as ‘Mogwai Fear Satan’ ‘Like Herod’ and ending with the earth shatteringly powerful ‘Batcat’.

Mogwai put you in the moment with affluence and exhilaration and all that were involved in this project must be proud of their effort. I can certainly see more artists doing this sort of collaboration with top directors, a great success and a movie night with a twist enjoyed by all.



Words : Outer Audio Joe

Mogwai offer free track from their upcoming live album.

Mogwai Live Film "Burning" Teaser from Nathanaël Le Scouarnec on Vimeo.

Here we have it, my all time favourite band Mogwai are offering a chance for you to download a live version of the beautiful 'New Paths To Helicon Pt 1' taken from their new live CD/DVD combo. Naturally the song sounds absolutely stunning and is a perfect teaser for what could well be the best music related film of the year.

New Paths To Helicon Pt 1

GR

Mogwai & ATP Present Burning Party at Scala

Oh lord this is a film I've been wanting to see ever since I heard of it's existence and finally it's getting the London première we've all been waiting for.

Burning is the new Mogwai live film directed by Vincent Moon and Nataniel La Souanec. The film comprises footage shot over three nights at sold-out shows in Brooklyn on April 27th, 28th and 29th 2009 at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg

The Burning Party at London's Scala will also feature a live performance by Remember Remember (Rock Action records) and DJ sets by Mogwai, Fuck Buttons and Errors. See below for full info and ticket links...


ATP PRESENTS: BURNING PARTY
VENUE: The Scala
DATE: Thursday 3rd June 2010
ADVANCED TICKET PRICE : £10.00
VENUE ADDRESS: 275 Pentonville Road, King´s Cross, London N1 9NL
VENUE TELEPHONE: 020 7833 2022
DOORS OPEN : 7.30pm
AGE RESTRICTIONS: 18+ Only

The greatest month for music related film ever?

Mogwai Live Film "Burning" Teaser from Nathanaël Le Scouarnec on Vimeo.

November not only sees the release of the All Tomorrows Parties film to buy and Nirvana live at Reading, the new film about Mogwai created by Vincent Moon premiers in Copenhagen. It's starting to feel like Christmas has come early.

Invada Invasion, Bristol Colston Halls

Invada Invasion, a days worth of music, film and art curated by Invada Record's label boss and Portishead member Geoff Barrow set at Bristol's legendary Colston Hall venue, really intrigued me and with a lineup featuring rare performances from bands such as Italian noise trio Zu, Crippled Black Phoenix and Team Brick, not to mention two of the best live bands you will ever see, Mogwai and Fuck Buttons and artwork from some brilliant artists and designers such as Andy Council I felt it would be too good to miss.
Colston Halls which has recently been extended, adding a brand new 30 million pound building onto the existing structure was a great place to check out such a diverse lineup, as soon as we walked in we were greeted with music as one of the stages was set up in the foyer, after sampling the delights of what Bristol had to offer on the Friday we turned up just in time to see local three piece Thought Forms take the stage and blow the minds of everyone watching. Their heavy instrumental post rock proved to be one of the best opening acts for a festival I have ever seen, their loud and very epic sound managed to entice crowds of people three floors up. I hope to see a lot more of these guys as they really put on a brilliant show.
Next onto the main stage which saw a collaborative effort between a number of local bands and the Emerald Ensamble Orchestra who stayed on stage throughout the sets of Team Brick, Joe Volk and Crippled Black Phoenix. We caught up whilst Joe Volk was running through a number of his solo acoustic numbers, aided quite stunningly by the Orchestra but things really took off when Volk was joined onstage by Crippled Black Phoenix and Dominic Aitchinson of Mogwai who played bass on CBP'S last album. Playing through material from their recent success '200 Tonnes of Bad Luck' they wowed the crowd with their Pink Floyd esq sound and with the orchestra subtly adding even more depth to their sound this proved quite special.
Headliners Mogwai, of course proved to be band of the night, you could feel the anticipation from the crowd before they came on, this was obviously the band most people had come especially to see. They eased their way on stage playing the slow classic 'May Nothing But Happiness Come Through Your Door' which was an odd song to start with but nevertheless went down a treat. The set comprised of songs from the latter part of their career with highlights including 'Scotlands Shame' and 'I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead' from their latest album The Hawk Is Howling sounding loud as ever, the older songs included the beautiful 'Cody' and 'Helicon 2' which is quite honestly one of the best songs you will ever hear live. Mogwai are without a doubt one of my favourite bands so maybe I'm a little biased but as always this was a fantastic show, ending with Batcat which was so loud it hurt.
The final band of the evening were Fuck Buttons back in the foyer, coming out with new material from their eagerly anticipated second album Tarot Sport which went down an absolute treat, with most of the material sounding a little more accessible than the last, more emphasis on electro and beats than the truly amazing debut 'Street Horrsing.' They were probably the only band on the night to get the crowd dancing playing an intense set which seemed to fly by. Playing after Mogwai is probably one of the toughest jobs in the industry but if there was one band who could follow them, it would be Fuck Buttons.
Invada Invasion is one of those events that will always attract the proper music fans (I mean I ended up in a conversation with a guy wearing a Slint hoody, where else on earth would that happen?) its events like this that are purely about the music and arts, it was well worth the trip down the M4.

Mogwai Photos

Here are some photos from the legendary Mogwai gig at Hammersmith, supported by Fuck Buttons. Enjoy