EP REVIEW: Mogwai 'Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1'

I’ve always been a firm believer that everything Mogwai touch turns to gold. There’s something special about the giant Mogwai shaped wall of distortion that ceases to stop exciting their audience. Even now, 17 years after they released their first record nobody seems to be finding it tedious just yet.

Whenever the band decide to sing, which is infrequently, there’s an added element. It’s the rarity that’s turning people on. It’s the satisfaction of hearing a predominantly instrumental band sing in the most straightforward but harmonious way, focussing on what the voices sounds like sonically, rather than singing with any pretence. That’s not to ignore the fact that including vocals is bound to be more appealing commercially – that’s quite obvious, but the opening track of Mogwai’s latest EP, Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1., conveniently ticks both boxes.

‘Teenage Exorcists’ is a big opener. A big statement . It’s a not a long-winded or progressive guitar piece, though it has its fair share of Mogwai distortion amongst a much more melodic piece of music on the whole. Although, as mentioned, it has commercial appeal in the sense that it is a rare Mogwai vocal, we sometimes need that occasional burst of creativity from the side of the band we don’t often see.

Mogwai have a gift for constructing a certain atmosphere. Similar to orchestral pieces of work, they build up an environment and mood to great success, and are built for that purpose. Track two, ‘History Day’ is an emotionally driven piece with futuristic undertones contrasting elements of traditionalism. An electronic metronome provides the skeleton of the piece whilst, upon breakdown in the middle of the track, a piano section provides that stark contrast then builds up again in a typical Mogwai climax.

The band nod to the Happy Mondays frontman with track three, ‘HMP Shaun William Ryder’, a much heavier and bass driven formula. Everything that Mogwai produce on this EP, and here particularly, seems so simple yet incredibly mathematic. Every single note and beat is so delicately picked and put into place, ending with the highlight of the EP, the distorted noise-rock and power of the last thirty seconds.

The EP then splits, ending with three remixes, ‘Re-Remurdered (Blanck Mass Remix)’, a high tempo, prog-electronic remix that is as energetic as it is ugly.

The gorgeous ‘No Medicine For Regret (Pye Corner Audio Mix)’ comes next; an ambient piece that explores dance and trance genres in a simplistic yet effective way. Although there’s the post-rock element of Mogwai taken away, there’s a fresh perspective on the climax through a modern, if not futuristic method of progression.

Nihls Frahm ends the EP with his remix of ‘The Lord Is Out Of Control’, a fitting and sombre classical number with occasional electronic breakdowns, providing a homage to the masters of contrasting noise and the creators of the original piece.

Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1. by all means fits alongside Mogwai’s phenomenal vast discography. The band consistently create emotional, diverse and exceptional pieces of work, something that this EP never fails to confirm.