Atomic, the new album by Scottish experimental rock legends Mogwai, is composed of reworked versions of the music recorded for the soundtrack to director Mark Cousins' acclaimed documentary Atomic: Living In Dread and Promise, which first aired on BBC Four last summer. Constructed entirely of archive film, Atomic is an impressionistic kaleidoscope of the horrors of our nuclear times - protest marches, Cold War sabre-rattling, Chernobyl and Fukishima - but also the sublime beauty of the atomic world, and how x-rays and MRI scans have improved human lives. Mogwai's soundtrack encapsulates the nightmare of the nuclear age, but it's dreamlike qualities too. It is the latest in the band's series of impressive soundtracks and scores, following acclaimed albums Les Revenants (The Returned) and Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait.
M**K
Five Stars
Wonderful soundtrack music. Lacks the big Mogwai roar.
I**E
It's Good
I'm not sure if "crushing" is the most appropriate word to describe this, but it's certainly big and heavy.
A**Y
great, its so good
enjoy
P**R
Celebrating 20 years of Mogwai with great new album
What are the chances that two of rock's most prominent instrumental bands issue new albums on consecutive weeks? Last week, Austin-based Explosions In the Sky released a very focused "The Wilderness", and this week, it's Glasgow-based Mogwai's turn. When we last heard from these guys, they brought us 2014's Rave Tapes. In the last 5 years, the band has shown an ever-increasing interest in making soundtracks ("Les Revenants", "Zindane", etc.) Now comes this, the band's 12th (or13th) album, and this is also a soundtrack of sorts, as much of the music was used in one form or another for the BBC documentary series "Atomic"."Atomic" (10 tracks; 49 min.) opens with the gentle "Ether", which then gives way to a futuristic sounding "Scram". The album's key track comes next, a majestic "Bitterness Centrifuge", among the best tunes ever from this band. Side 1 concludes with a synth-heavy "Pripyat". Side 2 opens with "Weak Force", which is one of the more reflective tunes on this album. The weakest tune on the album is, for me anyway, "Are You A Dancer", which lacks strong coherence. It all leads to the last songs, a brooding but excellent "Tzar", and the 6 min. "Fat Man", another very atmospheric tune. Bottom line: this is a nice addition to the already rich Mogwai catalog.2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Scottish rockers, if you can believe this. I've had the good fortune of seeing these guys live a couple of times over the years. I wish they'd tour the US more often. Maybe with this excellent new album and a big anniversary to celebrate, Mogwai will find a reason (and determination) to cross the pond again. Meanwhile, "Atomic" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
M**C
As enjoyable as a soundtrack to nuclear disaster can be!!
Because I loved the Zidane and Les Revenants albums/ soundtracks, I thought this would follow suit. I was very wrong. If you like ear splitting guitar effects and way too much space invader synthesizer, than buy it and turn it up really loud.
C**R
epic interstellar cosmic soundtrack music
On their 13th studio album, this Scottish band plays epic interstellar cosmic soundtrack music that moves through wondrous worlds of synthesized sparkle, with side trips to explore the dark auditory secrets of black hole orchestration. These are the sounds of life and death as reflected by a world where beauty and terror ride the same train to eternity. Reminiscent of Explosions In The Sky, John Carpenter.
R**E
Music To Get Lost In!
When I first heard Mogwai many years ago, I finally heard a sound I had been seeking for such a long time. I am now in my mid 60s and these guys never fail to amaze me with their dedication, experimentation and respect for their craft. Melodic and hypnotic, Atomic is wonderful! Pripyat and Little Boy are so powerful and worth the price of the CD on their own! The whole journey is immensley listenable from start to finish.
K**G
"Atomic" is great.
"Atomic" is great. This is a great album from Mogwai. It is well-crafted, well-done and entertaining. All (10) tracks on here are great.Track Listing:1. Ether (4 out of 4 stars)2. Scram (4 out of 4 stars)3. Bitterness Centrifuge (4 out of 4 stars)4. U-235 (4 out of 4 stars)5. Pripyat (4 out of 4 stars)6. Weak Force (4 out of 4 stars)7. Little Boy (4 out of 4 stars)8. Are You a Dancer? (4 out of 4 stars)9. Tzar (4 out of 4 stars)10. Fat Man (4 out of 4 stars)
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