Mogwai’s The Bad Fire: A Review
- In an unexpected twist, Scottish post-rock legends Mogwai found themselves celebrating their first ever UK Number 1 album in 2021, a quarter-century after their debut single.
- The Glaswegian band, known for their sonic exploration and ethereal soundscapes, were plunged into darkness.
- Recorded at Chem 19 studio in Blantyre with Texan producer John Congleton (St.
Stuart Braithwaite Reflects on Mogwai‘s Journey and ‘The Bad Fire’
In an unexpected twist, Scottish post-rock legends Mogwai found themselves celebrating their first ever UK Number 1 album in 2021, a quarter-century after their debut single. As The Love Continues, released on the cusp of 2021, was an unexpected triumph, but the glow of success was soon tempered by reality.
The Glaswegian band, known for their sonic exploration and ethereal soundscapes, were plunged into darkness. Personal losses and the serious illness of multi-instrumentalist Barry Burns‘ daughter cast a long shadow over the recording of their tenth studio album, The Bad Fire, a Scottish term for Hell. "It’s been tough, no doubt about it," admits lead guitarist and vocalist Stuart Braithwaite. "But we’ve always found solace in our music, and this album was no different."
Recorded at Chem 19 studio in Blantyre with Texan producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions In The Sky), The Bad Fire is a testament to Mogwai’s resilience. Despite the turmoil, the album is infused with a thoughtful restraint, a far cry from the grinding noise that might have been expected given the circumstances. Braithwaite notes, "We could have easily made an aggressive, noise-laden album, but that wouldn’t have been true to ourselves. We needed to process these emotions in a way that felt honest and genuine."
The title track, with its overlapping synth arpeggios, could have been recorded with legendary producer Conny Plank in the slipstream of punk. Meanwhile, ‘Fanzine Made Of Flesh’ utilises a vocoder, a staple in the band’s sonic arsenal since their 2001 album Rock Action, to create a unique blend of art rock and electronic influences. Elsewhere, the vividly named ‘Pale Vegan Hip Pain’ is a beautifully atmospheric instrumental in the vein of their soundtrack work, particularly their score for the 2013 French TV series Les Revenants.
While The Bad Fire may have been born out of darkness, it evolves into a renewing, crafted experience. It’s a testament to Mogwai’s enduring spirit, proving that even in the face of adversity, they can create something truly special.
Listen/Buy:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/474vVLzrq9sxOGpQMPHIPq?si=EFYIIaSdSgONiao-sni0gQ
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-bad-fire/1772317963
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Limited-Green-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B0DKY8MK6N/?tag=qbauermedia-21
- Rough Trade: https://www.roughtrade.com/en-us/product/mogwai/the-bad-fire-2
- HMV: https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/the-bad-fire-limited-edition-colour-vinyl-box-set
Tracklist:
- God Gets You Back
- Hi Chaos
- What Kind Of Mix Is This?
- Fanzine Made Of Flesh
- Pale Vegan Hip Pain
- If You Find This World Bad, You Should See Some Of The Others
- 18 Volcanoes
- Hammer Room
- Lion Rumpus
- Fact Boy
As Stuart Braithwaite aptly describes, The Bad Fire is a testament to Mogwai’s indomitable spirit. Faced with personal tragedies and despair, the band channeled their emotions into a powerful artistic statement. The album’s restrained intensity and introspective melodies resonate deeply, reminding us that even in the face of darkness, music can be a sanctuary, a source of solace and ultimately, a testament to the human capacity for resilience. The Bad Fire is not merely a collection of songs; it’s a chronicle of survival, a poignant reminder that even amidst hellfire, beauty and hope can emerge.
“The Bad Fire” is not simply Mogwai’s response to hardship; it’s a testament to their enduring spirit. through introspective melodies, restrained sonic textures, and honest vulnerability, Mogwai reminds us that beauty can emerge from darkness. Just as fire purifies,Mogwai’s music transcends pain,offering solace and a profound sense of catharsis. This album isn’t merely a collection of songs; it’s a journey, an invitation to confront arduous emotions, and ultimately, to emerge stronger on the other side. Mogwai, once again, prove themselves masters of their craft, weaving intricate tapestries of sound that resonate deep within the soul.