Mogwai has earned a reputation over the years for being one of the loudest bands around. Their first few records displayed a mastery over the quiet/loud dynamic as well as the use of repetition around a theme. (refer to classic songs like “Mogwai Fear Satan” or “Ex-Cowboy”) Drone into infinity.

In more recent years the band has distanced themselves from this practice. Instead opting for a more restrained approach. With previous albums you were guaranteed to get at least one huge, crushing track (“Rano Pano”, “Batcat”, “Glasgow Mega Snake” or “Like Herod”. Rave Tapes sees this practice abandoned. The loud guitars are long gone. Instead we are presented with synthesizers that whirr, hum and drone. The tell-tale culprit is the song “Simon Ferocious” which contains a familiar noise-guitar line that wouldn’t be out of place on “Young Team”. But it is castrated as the volume is turned way down and instead it hangs in the background.

When Mogwai shines, they are able to create some of the most eerie, haunting music around. When they dial up the volume, they are a force to be reckoned with. Alas, with “Rave Tapes” I was unable to really get into it, despite repeated listens. It is a cold, mechanical album best listened to by robots.