HARDCORE WILL NEVER DIE, BUT YOU WILL

Here's the thing with a few Post Rock bands, is that they originally start off their early studio offerings with consistent formulaic sounds. Repeated album releases endorsing the same basic song structures almost making their next releases easily predictable. Then all of a sudden they mellow and loosen up their sounds. The lastest Explosions In The Sky and God Is An Astronaut albums testify this point. The same can be said for this latest offering from Mogwai. Maybe it is just a trend with these similar sounding bands and the resulting evolution of their sound. So " Hardcore...." is a thoroughly refreshing release. The sounds are more stripped back, less broody for the most part and in fact hold an air of optimism. There is even a rare smattering of vocals on " George Square Thatcher Party". Other standout tracks are the melancholic " Letters To Metro" and the upbeat " San Pedro". Be warned " Rano Pano" is very much a reminder that they can still ram home disturbing offbeat songs too, indicating they are not roamed too far from home base.

Anyways a most enjoyable release, the band and their sound has mellowed making for a positive spin and yet another welcome release for 2011. This is proving to be a good year for new prog releases