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Mogwai : The Bad Fire Review

Mogwai : The Bad Fire Review

By Steven Miller

Mogwai-sound-in-review-cdLegendary post-rock pioneers Mogwai have returned with The Bad Fire, an engaging album that captures their enduring ability to blend the ethereal with the explosive. Produced by John Congleton and released via Rock Action, this January 2025 release cements the band’s reputation for crafting immersive soundscapes that challenge and reward the listener in equal measure.

With three decades of sonic exploration under their belt, Mogwai’s evolution has been anything but linear. They’ve veered from ferocious guitar-driven instrumentals to moody soundtracks and even ventured into corrupted electronic realms. Their previous record, As the Love Continues (2021), struck a bittersweet chord, blending triumphant warmth with a sense of reunion that resonated deeply with a world emerging from isolation. In contrast, The Bad Fire feels more introspective and turbulent, capturing a band navigating uncertain terrain with patient soundscapes.

The album opens with “God Gets You Back,” a mesmerizing introduction that stresses patience. A warm retro-synth lays the groundwork, joined by textured guitars, fuzzy bass, and atmospheric drums. The retro synth textures are as sick as they are hypnotic, culminating in a build that envelops the listener. It’s a journey that sets the stage for the album’s broader emotional arcs.

“Hi Chaos” showcases Mogwai’s penchant for subverting expectations. With textured guitar patterns that play with dissonance, the band creates a mysterious foundation that is magnetic. This tension is amplified by waves of distorted guitar crescendos anchored by the hypnotic bass and drum parts.

The aptly titled “Fanzine Made of Flesh” injects unexpected pop-rock levity into the record. Its driving beat and chugging power chords evoke ’90s alternative rock, but the track’s synths and vocoder-inflected vocals push it into more experimental territory. This is Mogwai doing what it does best, creating a swirling cocktail of textures that culminate in a synth-drenched climax, with equally stirring drums, leaving an indelible mark.

“What Kind of Mix Is This?” and “Pale Vegan Hip Pain” centers around Mogwai’s command of dynamics. The former offers a restrained preface to the bombastic energy of “Fanzine Made of Flesh,” while the latter channels a somber mood, with a mournful guitar line that smolders rather than erupts. These tracks highlight the album’s tonal diversity, weaving together threads of melancholy and euphoria.

The midsection of the album delves deeper into Mogwai’s signature quiet-loud dichotomy. “If You Find This World Bad, You Should See Some of the Others” is a layered immersing in steady waves of emotion before receding into a gentle, sorrowful flow of clean guitars, big rock drums, and fuzzy bass. This emotional pull is counterbalanced by “18 Volcanoes,” where rare vocal prominence delivers lyrics steeped in enigmatic familiarity, hinting at resilience amid despair.

The album’s closing trio offers a noticeable buildup in pacing and payoff. “Hammer Room” suggests progress with its jaunty yet intricate soundscape, laying the groundwork for the cathartic “Lion Rumpus.” This penultimate track is a raw, unrelenting force, with Braithwaite’s guitar at its most expressive. Pinch harmonics and avant-garde density collide, evoking a battle-hardened triumph. The closer, “Fact Boy,” provides a reflective epilogue, allowing the intensity to dissipate into a serene afterglow.

The Bad Fire may well be Mogwai’s finest work since Happy Songs for Happy People. It’s an album that rewards patience, with each listen unlocking new windows of experience. Mogwai’s commitment to their craft remains evident, and their ability to create evolving post-rock textures is unparalleled. For those willing to lean into its depths, The Bad Fire offers a transformative listening experience, a journey of emotion that lingers in the mind and psyche.

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Overview
Artist Name

Mogwai

Album Title

The Bad Fire

Release Date

January 24, 2025

Label

Rock Action Records

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Steven Miller
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