Mogwai: The Bad Fire (MC)

The release of a new Mogwai album—their eleventh—is cause for celebration. The album’s title, *The Bad Fire*, is a term from Glasgow’s working class for hell. It reflects the difficult times the band members went through. New to the studio was American producer John Congleton, known for his work with Explosions In The Sky, Sigur Rós, John Grant, and just about everyone in between. Congleton’s work can be heard on the album’s three singles. The album opener “God Gets You Back” sounds like Daft Punk being chased by My Bloody Valentine, while “Fanzine Made Of Flesh” sounds like a victory parade for a baby yeti; and “Lion Rumpus” actually sounds like a lion’s rumpus. Mogwai’s music is hard to describe but easy to experience. At deafening volumes, it can wipe out your body, leaving you little more than a head that should, in fact, be falling helplessly to the ground. Yet the music contains an uplifting force, a sense of beauty amid the onslaught. It keeps you upright, floating, and invigorated, reminding you that paradise is your birthright. This is especially true of *The Bad Fire*. It may have been created under dark circumstances, but all of that is overcome through the collaboration of four musicians in the here and now, in the moment—the only place where Mogwai exist. All vinyls come in a gatefold sleeve with an etching. The box set’s photo booklet contains a series of photos taken by producer and Chem19 studio owner Paul Savage (Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai, Arab Strap) during the band’s recording sessions.