Review Summary: This most recent release by Mogwai shows wy they have been able to stay relevent today as a veteran post-rock group.
Mogwai certainly have crafted a fine EP. With emotional subtlety that Mogwai have come to master in recent years.
The first track "Get To France" starts with a lonesome sounding piano melody, which is then accompanied by wonderfully arranged strings and mallet percussion, which conjure up a feeling of departure to a far away land on a desolate highway, a very solid opener. The strings continue to be a strong focus in "Hound of Winter", with a very subtle harmonica line in the back ground, and a somber acoustic guitar melody, all brought together by a well executed vocal performance by Stuart Braithwaite.
In a slight juxtaposition to side A of this release, "Drunk And Crazy" starts with a sort of electronic interlude, which abrubtly cuts out into yet another sad string arrangement, and even more piano. The song has a nice build into its closing statement with the electronica making its way back into the mix, and the combination of two extremely different musical elements makes this track the most dynamic on the album. The last track is another string and piano venture, with the first real addition of electric guitar (with a very clean instumental jazz sound) and bass, and it pretty much lies in the same vein as all the other tracks, strings and piano accompanied by other things. And that is the EP's only real downfall, the lack of dynamicism in arrangements that can be seen as slightly repetitive.
Overall this album is a nice addition to Mogwai's catolouge, with some nice somber tracks delivered in the usual Mogwai fashion. It's not essential to your library, but it is worth your time if already an existing Mogwai fan.
Standout Track - "Drunk And Crazy"
