Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Mogwai’s latest album, the band’s seventh full-length studio release, due in stores next Tuesday, February 15th, is called Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. I just found out about this today. Stephanie Scola of KEF told me because she knows I like Mogwai. Thank you, Stephanie. My reaction to this news was simple and unambiguous: With a name like Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, the album had already earned my blind and stupid love. That’s right: Before ever even hearing this record, I knew that I was going to own it and I was going to love it. That’s the kind of guy I am. If you didn’t already know, now you know. Maybe this changes your opinion of me, but I don’t care.

Fortunately, the music is similarly excellent. The first track, “White Noise,” is glorious. It sounds as if the notes are pouring down to earth from the great white heavens. Some of the songs, such as “Rano Pano,” exhibit the thick, menacing guitar tone heard most recently on the band’s outstanding 2008 album, The Hawk is Howling, our January 2009 “Recording of the Month.” But those menacing tones are joined by blissed-out synth melodies. Mogwai is kinda silly and serious at the same time, and I like that about them; and, on this album, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, they seem to be more overtly demonstrating this duality.

Good thing, too, because there’s a lot of beauty and power in that intersection of silly and serious.

Also, the songs have names like, “George Square Thatcher Death Party,” and “How To Be a Werewolf,” and “Too Raging to Cheers.” Can you dig that? I can dig that. Think about one of those great moments where you’re too into life to even stop and raise a glass because, well, you’re too raging to cheers. That’s what this record sounds like.

And Mogwai can get introspective on you, too. Just listen to the silky-sweet cries of “Letters to the Metro.” There’s a delicacy there, a deepness, a solemn and gentle touch, because sometimes a guy needs to slow dance, too. But, even then, you know the violence and the volume and the sheer majestic, soaring beauty will be right around the corner. And you like that. It excites you. You can’t suppress the werewolf.

Anyway, I love this album, and I hope you will, too. It was recorded at Chem 19 Studios, near Glasgow, by Paul Savage (nice name), and the guys in Mogwai are studio wizards. I expect this album, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, to sound just as good as it sounds.

COMMENTS
joyeous's picture

I have heard Hawk is Howling so many times my vinyl is worn down

Stephen Mejias's picture
The album is officially released tomorrow, and I'll be stopping at Other Music on the way home to pick up the vinyl.
predatorfan's picture

Thanks Stephen

Theres so much good music now days its hard to keep up, after seeing your article I got a Mogwai CD, The Hawk is Howling, really like it, the song names are kind of crazy, with no lyrics it makes you wonder a bit what was on they're minds, so far " The Sun Smells Too Loud " is one I keep playing over and over, it seems so sad and melancholy, but still happy inside... like something really bad has happened, but you know its all gonna be fine, rejoicing in the emotion of the moment, maybe I'm reading to much into it, but thanks again for enlightening me.

Bret

Stephen Mejias's picture
"The Sun Smells Too Loud" is probably my favorite track on that album, too. There's also a very funny video for the song.
predatorfan's picture

Thanks for the Link Stephen, it has a real 60's hippie feel to it, and like the posts with the video, everyone really needs to listen to this band on a revealing system. The Music is very layered and even thought it seems repetitious, there are subtle changes and deserves a serious listen.

divisadisc's picture

Stephen, any chance you can reveal who the cutting engineer was for the vinyl and/or if the vinyl sounds like it was mastered properly? Thanks!

unrecognized's picture

not sure about hardcore will never die but rano pano was mastered at sterling sound... i would guess the same...

Stephen Mejias's picture
I listened to the vinyl last night, and it sounds spectacular. Perfect for the music. The liner notes say the album was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound (awesome), and the scribe mark etched into the vinyl reads, "GOLDEN," which, I think, identifies the cutting engineer as John Golden (might be his son, J.J.; equally awesome).
joyeous's picture

I loved your write up on the Album, I have always enjoyed Mogwai since the Zidane movie soundtrack and I got all their albums. The peak was the Vincent Moon and Nathanael le Scouarnec movie "Burning" which was shot over three days in Brooklyn. Your review is the best way to describe Mogwai and their music.

Drtrey3's picture

being so excited the day a new record from a band I loved would come out! My pal Russell and I went together to Cat's music to buy Elvis' Clubland, ran straight home, and listened to it together.

Now I have more music to love and savor, and am more focused on maitenence and enjoying my music more than adding. I am sure that will not last, but I am working on my system and ripping currently.

Trey

james's picture

I love mogwai and am still coming to grips with this record. I like it, but I feel it will be a grower.

"Rock Action", "Young Team" and "Come On Die Young" are all essential, in my opinion. "Come On Die Young" along with Godspeedyoublackemperor's "f#a# infinity" were huge records in my late college musical journey. Check those out, for sure (whoever reads this and hasn't heard them)

Oenophile's picture

Looking forward to the vinyl arriving (taking a bit of a vinyl detour at the moment). Saw the lads in a small venue in Adelaide about 8 years ago. Smoke churning from the amps on the finale at insane dB, I had tinnitus for days...

Christmas Steps is still a track I use to load up a system and see how it copes.

cgreen416's picture

Can't wait for the show tonight. However, based on Oenophile's comments I may need some ear protection!

I am anxious to hear the difference between the live Mogwai and recorded Mogwai.

Cheers

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