Oh, Mogwai. So much to say after all we've been through.. But I'll save all that for the album. It's preceeded by this 'Batcat' EP which is a real mixed bag. If you loved the immense 'Glasgow Mega Snake' from Mr. Beast and hoped for more along those lines you're shit in luck because 'Batcat' is it's closest relative, it's not right up there with it but it's pretty tidy. Five minutes of balls-out rock riffing and squalls with a highly satisfying bass sound cutting through the chords to assault your poor wittle speaky weakers. The comically appallingly/brilliantly titled 'Stupid Prick Gets Chased by the Police and Loses His Slut Girlfriend' passes by fairly uneventfully with the usual arpeggio action augmented by pretty piano twinkles, melancholic organ drones and an almost dancey syncopated drumbeat, it's nice enough but nothing more. 'Devil Rides' is the big disappointment, that it's not as good as the Hammer Horror classic 'The Devil Rides Out' probably isn't that surprising but the fact that a collaboration with Roky Erikson (former frontman of the wonderful 13th Floor Elevators) which seems so interesting on paper has turned out to be almost painful to listen to is a real shame. I wasn't a fan when I first heard it and sadly the office now agrees.. Chris reckons it sounds like Michael Stipe dying. The cracked voice of an old fella can be an affecting thing and that's obviously what they were going for with the highly mournful lyrics but it doesn't really work for me. Still, what the fuck do we know. We've got about 7000 orders for this one so be quick to avoid disappointment etc. etc.
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What their label says...
Mega return from Mogwai with a blisteringly heavy, psychotic instrumental rocker, already Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record In The World a full eight weeks before release. ‘Batcat’ is taken from Mogwai’s forthcoming sixth studio album entitled ‘The Hawk Is Howling’. As Mogwai songs go it’s one of their heaviest; certainly the heaviest song on an album that sees Mogwai return to a totally instrumental landscape, with many songs coming in at around the eight minute mark. The album was recorded with Andy Miller at Chemikal Underground, and mixed by Gareth Jones at Castle Of Doom. It’s the first time the band have recorded with Andy Miller since they worked with him on their debut ‘Young Team’ album, recently re-issued two disc set to much acclaim. The single comes backed with two exclusive songs: ‘Stupid Prick Gets Chased By The Police And Loses His Slut Girlfriend’ and ‘Devil Rides’, featuring guest vocals from Roky Erickson of legendary 60’s garage band 13th Floor Elevators. Mogwai remain one of the UK’s greatest guitar bands with a legion of fans around the world. Their music always evokes a reaction, as proved by their recent inclusions on soundtracks for ‘Miami Vice’, ‘The Fountain’ and ‘Zidane’. CD single and 12” limited to 1500 of each format; this will strictly be a one-off pressing – once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Other items by Mogwai
4 Satin EP Mogwai CD single, £3.59 Sorry - sold out.
4 Satin EP Mogwai 12" (vinyl), £11.99 Sorry - sold out.
Batcat Mogwai 12" (vinyl), £4.99 Sorry - sold out.
