Scottish band Mogwai, one of the pioneers of post-rock genre, have eight albums in their discography, and Atomic is their fourth soundtrack. Work on the music for experimental documentary about atomic bomb tossed at Hiroshima and the era of nuclear threats came at the right time for Mogwai.
The intro brings a powerful number Ether, which sees arrangement developing from soldier’s sound of French horn to guitar riff of the year. The massive sound also brings Bitterness Centrifuge. Its pinnacle is based on imitation of choir singing that resembles opera more than alternative rock.
We are not used to Mogwai taking their emotional expression to the extreme, especially when it comes to such a controversial topic as nuclear weapon is. Obviously, four guys from Glasgow are highly sensitive to this, since their previous records held the significant distance and coldness. Here, we are dealing with amplified drama and it turns out that such Mogwai functions very well.
I didn’t mind their conspicuous Vangelis influences on Weak Force. The romantic, vulnerable sound of the synth seems like a lost material from 1942: Conquest of Paradise soundtrack. The sonic vibe of traditional Japan on Are You A Dancer enriches the record and puts violinist Luke Sutherland in the spotlight. The album closes with orchestral post-rock followed by delayed guitars and minimalistic piano plays. One forms an impression that Mogwai wants to send the message: There is hope for us If we are smart.
Whatever circles in your head when you listen to this album, it is good. There is no doubt that everyone who is a fan of good music will recognize the message of it.
