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Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

  • Summary: The Scottish five-piece noise-rock band’s latest album is a mix of distorted guitars, piano and synthesizers –- minimal and with little to no vocals whatsoever.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Hardcore Will Never Die has a good amount of brawn to it but ultimately falls into the category of breathtaking music that isn't made too often.
  2. Feb 14, 2011
    80
    The thicker the walls of sound this time around, the better, too--the forward-marching layers of distortion throughout "Rano Piano" and at the end of the hyper-cinematic "You're Lionel Richie" are the most purposeful and satisfying aspects of the album.
  3. Feb 23, 2011
    80
    While their spacious, mostly instrumental music makes good use of dynamics (and reaches ear-bleeding volumes during live shows), they mark their label switch from Matador to Sub Pop with a lightness (as in absence of darkness, not bereft of weight) that's refreshing.
  4. Feb 16, 2011
    79
    If Mogwai are looking for new routes to explore then Hardcore is a strong first venture.
  5. Feb 15, 2011
    75
    The peaks and valleys have eroded into slightly more forgiving terrain on Hardcore, but they're still worth a trip.
  6. Feb 14, 2011
    70
    Every band should mature like the Mogwai lads: still inventive, still challenging themselves and still insanely loud.
  7. Feb 14, 2011
    40
    It's not that it's post-rock-by-numbers, although at times it really is, but more so that it doesn't even sound like there are painters behind the palette.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Kas
    Feb 17, 2011
    9
    Criticism of Mogwai typically comes from two viewpoints - they either refuse to "evolve" their sound, or refuse to reproduce Young Team. SoCriticism of Mogwai typically comes from two viewpoints - they either refuse to "evolve" their sound, or refuse to reproduce Young Team. So even if they satisfy one side they will conversely disappoint the other; they can't win. Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will finds Mogwai having the most fun they've ever had on an album - "San Pedro," "George Square Thatcher Death Party," and particularly "How To Be a Werewolf" are all evidence to this, and "White Noise" finds this often-dour band trying (and succeeding) to be uplifting. If that isn't an evolution for this band, then I don't know what is. It's also their most immediately satisfying work, though that doesn't rule out the potential of these songs to reveal new facets with every listen - this is Mogwai, after all. And as for all the "Young Team" nostalgists - I bet you also wish Radiohead would just remake OK Computer already, right? It's not 1997 anymore, folks - let's all move forward amicably. Expand
  2. May 13, 2011
    9
    Although it's nothing ENTIRELY new the band has come out with their most consistent and tight record. I love this album to pieces. "Letters toAlthough it's nothing ENTIRELY new the band has come out with their most consistent and tight record. I love this album to pieces. "Letters to the Metro" "Rano Pano" and "Death Rays" are the best and even make it into their top 15 career tracks. Expand
  3. Feb 17, 2011
    9
    Ranks up there with Come On Die Young, Ten Rapid, and Mr. Beast in the Mogwai's best album category....might even satisfy some of those stillRanks up there with Come On Die Young, Ten Rapid, and Mr. Beast in the Mogwai's best album category....might even satisfy some of those still obssessed with Young Team. This is the album they tried to make with The Hawk is Howling and sounds very refreshing for this band. Only song I didn't care for was the last one. Expand
  4. Apr 28, 2011
    9
    Im quite a Postrock Fan, but i've never listened to Mogwai before i bought this album. And it really suprised me, because i can understand nowIm quite a Postrock Fan, but i've never listened to Mogwai before i bought this album. And it really suprised me, because i can understand now why this band is an Inspiration for almost every other Postrock band. for me, this album is perfect in every detail. Thanks, Mogwai. Expand
  5. Feb 17, 2011
    4
    There are literally a few good songs, and that's it. There's nothing approaching greatness, and if it had been recorded with lesser-qualityThere are literally a few good songs, and that's it. There's nothing approaching greatness, and if it had been recorded with lesser-quality sound, it would be a believable first album from the 90s before they were any good. Y'know, the kind that's pre-recording contract that gets released years later to cash in on whatever success they've had? But it's competent background music, I guess. Expand