Mogwai: “The Bad Fire” ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Their 11th album sees the band reach even greater heights.
The Scottish post-rock titans have traded in some of their trademark noisy eruptions for something more refined, but don’t worry, they haven’t gone soft. This record still packs a punch, but in a more stylish, brooding way.
There are some great song titles as always, including my personal favourite “If You Find This World Bad, You Should See Some of the Others”, and “Pale Vegan Hip Pain”,
The album immediately sets a cinematic, sci-fi vibe. Think Blade Runner meets a dark Glasgow night, synths swirling like neon lights in the rain. Mogwai have always had a knack for making music that could soundtrack the end of the world, and this one’s no different.
“Fanzine Made Of Flesh” is a belter and likely to be on their tour set list for many years to come. “Lion Rumpus” is classic Mogwai and is likely to become a fan favourite.
But here’s the twist: instead of their usual build-and-explode formula, The Bad Fire plays it cool. Tracks like “Hi Chaos” and “God Gets You Back” keep things moody and measured, layering guitars and electronics into something hypnotic. The latter has extra emotional weight, inspired by keyboardist Barry Burns’s daughter’s health struggles; real heart-on-sleeve stuff that adds an unexpected gut punch.
Not many bands can claim an 11th album, never mind an 11th album that is one of their very best. Great stuff!
Stand-out tracks: “Fanzine Made Of Flesh ”, “Hammer Room”.
