YOUNG TEAM

"Young Team" (also knows as "Mogwai Young Team") is the debut full-length studio album by Scottish post-rock act Mogwai. The album was released through Chemikal Underground in October 1997. Mogwai formed in 1995 in Glasgow and released a couple of singles in their formative years (which were compiled and released on the April 1997 compilation album "Ten Rapid (Collected Recordings 1996-1997)"), before being signed for the release of "Young Team".

The material featured on the album is predominantly instrumental although some tracks feature spoken word samples. The exception is "R U Still in 2 It", which features half spoken/half sung vocals by Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap). Bass, guitar, and drums are the main instruments used on the album although some tracks feature piano/keyboard/flute/glockenspiel. The tracks are generally dynamic in nature starting out slow and mellow and often ending in louder, distorted, and harsh sounding climaxes (or shift between the two styles). It´s minimalistic music both in terms of the complexity of the compositions and the instrumentation. Sometimes it works pretty well and Mogwai are able to create an interesting atmosphere, but since very few musical elements are used on each track, some songs drag and feel repetitive ("Like Herod" and especially the 16:19 minutes long "Mogwai Fear Satan" fall in that catagory).

"Young Team" features an authentic and organic sounding production. It´s not a sound featuring much warmth, but it´s detailed and suits the material well. Upon conclusion "Young Team" is a decent debut album by Mogwai, who would soon change pace and write less abrasive tunes, so this is a pretty unique album in their discography and definitely their most harsh and loud release. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.