Mogwai's Mr. Beast Album Review

Though Mogwai's standing will probably always be that of the loud blasts of noise and dynamics that dominated their earlier records, it's clear that with Happy Songs for Happy People and now this new addition Mr. Beast, the band has made a large improvement. Mogwai seems to have gradually started focusing on melody and more beautiful sounds after their sophomore album. By the time they released Happy Songs for Happy People, their songs didn't have too much of the ambient atmosphere from their previous sound. That new tune in Happy Song for Happy People boosted their appeal and fans seemed to want more of this new sound than the old.

For fans of the more current Mogwai records, Mr. Beast may well be the best Mogwai record choice for them. The sound is kept to what is initially Mogwai, but the tracks are definitely more uplifting. There are no songs on the record that hit the 6 minute mark like some other indie albums out there and this gives each track a more reachable feel. One new song on the album called "Auto Rock" showcases their new style but doesn't give the tedious overdoing sounds of the old.

As mentioned earlier, the songs are a diverse mix of sounds, styles, moods and feels. Like the band's last record, most of the tracks have a very uplifting mood. In this case, the album's strongest songs tend to be the more uplifting tracks. Like earlier records, Mr. Beast includes a handful of tracks with vocals. Two tracks have vocals much like earlier albums of theirs, where they believe musical sounds overpower vocals.

Instrumentally, Mogwai are at their finest in the business, though this album has more piano sounds to come across and great for soft listening. Electronic noises occur in the album much more than their other work but it comes at a good standstill. Overall, this album takes a more contemporary instrumental rock sound which is something new to them. But don't take this too lightly since Mogwai still does have some of their spunk left. The noise heaviness appears once again on a track called "Glasgow Mega-Snake". This will surely take fans back to the bands roots.

I think Mr. Beast would be a good start for people who want to try to get into their music. It mixes a new light piano sound with the music that they are known for. This would make an easy fun start for any newcomer.

Key Tracks

Auto Rock

Folk Death 95

I Chose Horses

Pros

Advanced sound
Beautiful piano playing

Cons

Too much piano may be a put off for old fans
A few of the songs may get cumbersome after a few listens