AWmusic

So yeah, Mogwai has cancelled their US/Canada tour due to problems with Martin Bolluch’s (drummer) pacemaker (get well soon!), so instead of reviewing what would’ve been a pretty awesome show, I shall review their new release, The Hawk is Howling. I often feel too intimidated to review the more popular bands of post-rock, but I figure I owe Mogwai that much for formally introducing me into the post-rock world (although they hate being labeled that). Anyway, The Hawk is Howling was released on Monday, marking it as the band’s sixth album release to date. It’s been a long wait since Mr Beast was released in 2006. I was getting weary waiting for something new, but as it turns out, it’s well worth the wait.

A lot of reviewers have mentioned that Mogwai have again defied their previous albums to create a “newer” sound, but I just can’t hear it. Perhaps it’s in the more apparent use of an electronic-based sound (i.e. synthesizers), but this can only be said for a couple of tracks, and not the album in its entirety. To me, it still sounds as if Mogwai are keeping it real by sticking to their guns. Stuff you liked in Mr Beast (2006) is very apparent in The Hawk is Howling, and if you preferred the older Mogwai stuff, well, you’ll still hear it. It’s nothing like the critical changes of Pink Floyd, whose sound kept changing as different members took hold of the band. This particular factor doesn’t change my own views on the quality of this album, but I just thought I’d mention it.

This album is pretty much all over the place, rather than being consistently orchestrated. This is very usual of a Mogwai album, however, so it comes to no surprise that you get your mix of mellowed out, serious tunes, your happy-go-lucky pop, and your darker, harder rock songs. Although it’s expected, it does get out of hand sometimes. Some tracks seem very out of place, which ruins the overall feeling in this album. Not that you can really get an overall feeling for this album, but anyways. The album is also entirely instrumental-based, so you won’t hear any incomprehensible vocals this time. That aspect isn’t to be missed, though, because the tracks are still very strong without any type of vocals.

I’ve always liked the mellow Mogwai stuff. You can never go wrong with low-key, pleasant sounds, after all. Triggers the pleasure senses. Often the mellow Mogwai stuff is similar in structure—main riff played by guitar, synth chords played right underneath…everything just moves together in one fluid motion. That’s probably the best I can define it as: one fluid motion.

The harder rock songs are definitely defined by “Batcat.” If there’s one thing consistent about Mogwai, it’s that they always feature one bad ass track in the midst of all the mellowness. The feeling you get from “Batcat” is very similar to that of “Glasgow Mega-Snake” off of Mr Beast. It starts off hard and rough, and ends so abruptly you feel like you just got used. So bad ass.

“The Sun Smells Too Loud” is probably the only poppy song in the entire album—and thank goodness for that. I don’t really like this song…in fact, I loathe it. This is probably the only reason why I hate the fact that Mogwai albums lack consistency. It comes right after a very soft, slow track (“Local Authority”), rampaging your brain with an annoying riff that goes on and on and on, with no real retreat or change in its seven minutes of life. Not to mention the instrumentation also seems to lack consistency, as the twinkling synths just seem to be playing for no reason other than some kind of crappy filler. If this is supposed to be the “new sound” of Mogwai, I definitely don’t like it.

Overall, I have to give this album a 3.4 out of 5. It’s good, but it’s just that—good. It doesn’t set itself apart from previous albums, and being one of the most influential post-rock bands out there, people begin to expect increasing level of standards with each album release, for fear of the band becoming a has-been. I don’t have to even recommend this to Mogwai fans; of course this is an obligatory listen. And for those who haven’t heard of Mogwai and are confused by this review (not very detailed, I understand), just take a couple of minutes of your time to listen to the tracks below.

MP3s:
Removed by request.

Get this album through: Amazon/Insound/CD Universe

Anyway, enough ragging on other cities, here’s the breakdown:

SEPTEMBER 24

Bad Religion
Sound Academy / $31.00

Bad Religon was a lot cooler in the 80s where punk rock wasn’t as big a sham as it is today but hey, music is music. This tour is still riding on 2007′s New Maps of Hell (they released a deluxe version a few months ago with some additional acoustic tracks). NMoH got okayish-pretty good reviews though I guess if you’re going to see Bad Religion, it’s not because you want to see them perform the latest thing they’ve done. Don’t worry, I’m sure they’re not tired of playing “Atomic Garden” over and over again yet.

Mogwai
Phoenix / 19+ / 27.50

Did you miss A Silver Mt. Zion in the summer? Not to worry, an arguably superior post-rock band is on tour and ready to blow to your mind. The Hawk Is Howling hits the shelves September 22nd but if you know how to use the internet, you’ll know that it’s heaaavvvy in a totally awesome expressive yet serene way. Oh, and if you ARE going to the show, please DON’T ENGAGE IN LOUD CONVERSATION DURING THE “LOW-KEY” PARTS! That shit is not background music at a café, show some fucking respect.

Mogwai – The Sun Smells Too Loud

Santogold
Guvernment / 19+ / $26.50

I know the majority of the blogosphere thinks Santogold is the poor man’s M.I.A. but I’m actually a big fan of Ms Santi White whilst not being too into M.I.A. (unless I’ve downed some tequila in which case I like everything!). Santi White used to front a punk band named Stiffed before she decided to fly solo. Her punk roots don’t shine through too much in her eponymous debut album but … they’re there. Just look for punk dressed up in glittery electronic beats and New Wave shoes.

Santogold – L.E.S. Artistes
Santogold – Creator (vs. Switch and FreQ Nasty)
Santogold (ft. Andrew Trouble) – I’m A Lady

SEPTEMBER 25

Holy Fuck
Phoenix / $12.50

I first saw Holy Fuck a few years ago when they opened for Metric. I didn’t really appreciate them (probably because I was too infatuated with Emily Haines and anything that came in between us was instantly shunned) but I’ve grown to almost not dislike them. They don’t really have anything new aside from 2007′s LP appropriately titled LP but it’s a good one so check them out and support a Torontonian band.

Holy Fuck – Frenchy’s
Holy Fuck – Safari

My Bloody Valentine
Ricoh Coliseum / $48.75

Holy shit, I bought my MBV tickets MONTHS ago – I was that excited. This is seriously amazing because the last time they toured, I was like 6 years old. They haven’t released anything new but there is rumour of a new record (unless they die or something). Anyway, if you’re into dream pop/shoegaze at all, you better be attending this show. It will be epic. I’m not going to say much else but expect a concert review in a few weeks!

My Bloody Valentine – Only Shallow
My Bloody Valentine – Come In Alone

SEPTEMBER 30

Hot Chip
Kool Haus / $26.50

Hot Chip played in Toronto in April and I guess they’ve made it all the way around the world and now they’re back. Okay, I won’t lie – the only album I actually like is The Warning. I would only really go to this show to get drunk and dance to “Over and Over”. But who says that’s not a valid reason?

Hot Chip – Ready For The Floor
Hot Chip – Over and Over

October 4

Ratatat
Phoenix / 19+ / $15.00

While their new album LP3 isn’t as strong as Classics or their self-titled, this is not a show I’d want to miss. Ratatat is a sweet mix of electronic video game-ish music and soothing instrumentals. The Montreal show is already sold out so go get your tickets soon!

Ratatat – Lex
Ratatat – Shiller

October 5

Black Kids
Mod Club / 19+ / $20.00

I’ve already talked about Black Kids in the Pop Montreal preview post but they deserve another mention just because I thought Partie Traumatic was an awesome album despite Allan’s harsh review. I am also obsessed with the Chromeo chant in I Wanna Be Your Limousine.

Black Kids – I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Black Kids – Hurricane Jane

October 6

Dodos
Horseshoe / 19+ / $12.50

I’ve also already mentioned Dodos in the Pop Montreal post but I can’t say enough good things about this band. If I was someone important enough to pick a “band of the year”, it’d be Dodos. I would describe them as an acoustic Battles or Animal Collective with ear-bleeding. Visiteur is their crucial album but there are gems in Beware the Maniacs as well. These guys are going places, I’ll bet my new boots on it!

Dodos – Park Song
Dodos – Paint the Rust
Dodos – Trades & Tariffs

October 7

Wire
Lee’s / 19+ / $22.50

It blows my mind that a band that’s been around and has had as much influence as Wire is playing at Lee’s Palace. I don’t find Object 47 to be anything to write home about but I’d go see them just because it’s fucking WIRE. I mean, are you going to turn down a band whose fanbase includes Henry Rollins?

Wire – 12 X U
Wire – Practise Makes Perfect

October 9

Chromeo
Muzik / 19+ / $25.00

I saw Chromeo in March and I’ve concluded that they’re definitely one of those bands that are better in concert than on the album. Not because they’re musically superior live but because there’s a great energy in the crowd. P-Thugg and Dave 1 are also very engaging on stage (and do a mean aftershow). The Toronto show also features Calvin Harris and James Lidell – I’d say that’s worth 25 bucks.

Chromeo – Fancy Footwork
Chromeo – My Girl Is Calling Me (A Liar)

October 16

Horrorpops
Lee’s / $22.50

I am heartbroken that my bff who is also a Horrorpops fanatic has moved across the country for school so we won’t be seeing this show together. Kiss Kiss Kill Kill isn’t as good as Hell Yeah! but much better than Bring It On! Maybe it was the sophomore slump, maybe it’s because I couldn’t stop thinking about that Kirsten Dunst movie. The point is this is a show I’d regret missing.

Horrorpops – Psychobitches Outta Hell
Horrorpops – Hitchcock Starlet

October 20

Asobi Seksu
Horseshoe / 19+ / $10.00

I suppose if you can’t make it to My Bloody Valentine for one reason or another (those tickets are pricy!) Asobi Seksu is not a poor consolation prize. They haven’t done anything new since Citrus two years ago but for $10.00, I’d much rather listen to playfully sexy dreampop than see some shitty movie.

Asobi Seksu – Walk on the Moon
Asobi Seksu – The Words Live Longer

October 22

Secret Machines
Lee’s / 19+ / $17.50

I was introduced to Secret Machines a few years ago at Dog Day Afternoon where they opened for Metric (are you sensing a pattern here?). Since then, Benjamin Curtis has left the band and they’ve released their third studio album. I actually haven’t heard their self-titled yet but I’d definitely see them again.

Secret Machines – Alone, Jealous and Stoned

October 24

Crystal Castles
CiRCA / 19+ / $15.00

Tsk tsk … Crystal Castles is the biggest thing to come out of Toronto since the SARS epidemic. I was initially completely turned off by them because of all their copyright scandals which I’m sure you’re all very familiar with. But I will admit, the music is catchy. Very catchy. I saw them play a short set at Harbourfront two months ago and well, what can I say? Not bad.

Crystal Castles – Untrust Us
Crystal Castles – xxzxcuzx Me

Well, this is getting a lot longer than I had planned. I’m going to end this here and there will likely be a new post like this for November/December shows. Happy gig-hopping!