TEN RAPID (COLLECTED RECORDINGS 1996-1997)

This collection of songs originally released on singles and EPs on Mogwai's own Rock Action label from 1996 to 1997 captures the neurotic post-rock sound of the band in its formative stages. With the occasional jazz influence reminiscent of Bark Psychosis or Tortoise creeping in here and there, the precedent set by earlier post-rock groups is competently followed, whilst the occasional lo-fi sound quality lends an intriguing texture to the compositions not quite like anything which came before. The album should appeal not just to fans of Mogwai, but also to those who like other post-rock bands who tend to make their albums resemble field recordings (I'm thinking of the likes of Godspeed You Black Emperor and A Silver Mt. Zion here).