Mogwai Unleashes 'Mr. Beast'

 Margot Gonzales, entertainment editor 

I didn’t think it was possible for Mogwai to outdo themselves and create something so unique. 

It is almost unbelievable to imagine how they put something this colorful together.  In hiding just long enough to birth another piece of art, Mogwai has returned.  Mogwai, the not so typical Euro-band, has brought their brilliance to a whole new level, a level I’m willing to say is one of their own.

Creating a completely new playing field, their new album, “Mr. Beast” is far more exquisite than anyone ever would have expected.  Songs such as “Acid Food,” and “I Chose Horses” completely bring the album together.  This loud rock sound, though not as daring as it has been in the past, is dynamic enough to melt the ears off your head.  Unlike its predecessor, “Happy Songs for Happy People,” it is a sound that these Scots seem truly comfortable with.  Though it may  sound similar  to older albums, it is a reminder to listeners that out with the old and in with the new doesn’t always apply.

Mogwai intertwined more of the gossamer piano arrangements, ice cold guitars, an unexpected silence into the formula.  The formula that created the classic Mogwai sound has returned, and it defines this album better than anything else can. 

As positive as I’d love to be, there are some negative things to say about “Mr. Beast.”  This album may be crossing barriers too close to others such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Radiohead.  I could never compare Mogwai to Radiohead, but there are some songs such as “Glasgow Mega Snake,” that easily change my perspective on similarities between the bands. 

Almost Nirvana-like, they transform their loud guitar sound into a crescendo of amazement.  There are few moments in every song where you here Mogwai keep hold of their laid back electronic experiments, but it is a necessary ingredient for greatness.

The close to this album is unlike any other Mogwai album, and it brings everything together, reminding loyal listeners why they are worthy of holding the reputation that they do.  I recommend it to all Mogwai fans, as well as to any fan of brain-cell-melting rock.  Released March 6, the album is a sure buy, and you can find it at  places such as your very own Ralph’s Records and Tapes in Lubbock.