Mogwai have been part of my musical life since I left school, and I still remember the moment in 1996 when I got my hands on the 'Tuner/Lower', and then 'Summer' 7-inches within a few months of each other. I never expected them to still be around 15-odd years later, still producing fantastic music.
With Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will the noise-rock veterans prove they've still got some tricks up their sleeve. 'White Noise' is probably the prettiest the 'Gwai have ever sounded at the start of a record, 'Mexican Grand Prix' sounds like an angry Stereolab, and the riffs of 'Rano Pano' are a visceral treat.
What else? 'Letters To The Metro' is lovely, 'Too Raging To Cheers' threatens to explode - but its controlled aggression is excellent. 'You're Lionel Richie' builds to the crescendo that perfectly fits the album's close, proving that these lads still have what it takes to blow your socks off.
There's also a bonus CD containing 'The Singing Mountain', a 23min beautiful orchestral epic created for a Douglas Gordon (he of Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait fame) film. It's really quite something, showcasing the influence that Barry Burns has in the band.
All in all, a beast of a record and easily their best since 2003's Happy Songs for Happy People.
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