Rave Tapes
by Mogwai
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 21, 2014
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 45
  3. Negative: 3 out of 45
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  1. Haverford
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    With Mogwai, it's always been "either you get it or you don't" or maybe more "either their music moves you or it doesn't". If you love their earlier stuff, I'm pretty sure this one will do it for you too. They're exploring slightly new terrain here, but it's still good old Mogwai. Stately, atmospheric, cinematic, intense...
  2. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 21, 2014
    6
    Rave Tapes is enjoyable atmospherically, but it lacks gripping instrumentation to keep me returning to it - something that needs to be present on an instrumental album.
  3. nicholasbert
    Jan 21, 2014
    6
    When you make instrumental music you need to make sure that your songs are strong enough to support the lack of emotion that inevitably follows the lack of words, and although "Rave Tapes" is strong and confident, it doesn't take off.

    Now, I understand that Mogwai are post-rock's darlings, so they'll probably never get a bad review from a critic, but we need to ask ourselves if this    When you make instrumental music you need to make sure that your songs are strong enough to support the lack of emotion that inevitably follows the lack of words, and although "Rave Tapes" is strong and confident, it doesn't take off.

    Now, I understand that Mogwai are post-rock's darlings, so they'll probably never get a bad review from a critic, but we need to ask ourselves if this record would have ever been published if it were a debut album by an unknown band.    … Expand
  4. jamesweber
    Jan 21, 2014
    10
    Have you heard the new Daft Punk album? This album reminds me of a post-rock version of that. No lyrics, obviously, because it's post-rock. But the electronic elements remind me of some of the same moods of the new DP. Interesting... highly recommended.
  5. Frikomid
    Jan 22, 2014
    10
    I can't stop listening to this album. It may not be the best thing done by Mogwai. This album is more "electronic" than the previous albums, but it works perfectly.
  6. El_Mastero
    Jan 26, 2014
    1
    This is plain and simple hipster fodder nonsense. Are you posy and pretentious? Then looks like you'll have to fake love for this sh*itstain of a record. Good luck with that.
  7. Ricko
    Feb 27, 2015
    7
    I saw Mogwai once, at Glastonbury 2003 I think. I was with a friend who was into them and wanted to go see them. It was a Friday afternoon slot if I remember correctly and there wasn't much else on so I went along. The band left no real impression on me - the gig was mildly enjoyable but didn't really engage me. The whole thing was inoffensive and drifted past without me really noticing. II saw Mogwai once, at Glastonbury 2003 I think. I was with a friend who was into them and wanted to go see them. It was a Friday afternoon slot if I remember correctly and there wasn't much else on so I went along. The band left no real impression on me - the gig was mildly enjoyable but didn't really engage me. The whole thing was inoffensive and drifted past without me really noticing. I never felt compelled to follow up this gig by listening to any of their albums. Anyway - over a decade later, "Rave Tapes" comes into my possession, an album with moderately decent reviews so I give it some listening time. Things haven't changed much for me and Mogwai in 10 plus years. Rave Tapes is decent and mildly enjoyable without really grabbing my attention at any point. Plenty of decent material, only the occasional stinker (the album really dips towards the very end) but nothing of any real note. This is the only Mogwai album I've listened to properly so perhaps I'm doing them an injustice but my impression based on one gig and one album is that they are highly talented but not the most imaginative. At their best they look to fuse heavy rock with Kraftwerk styled electronica but never in a way that sets them apart in their own right. You could listen to worse.… Expand
  8. Scooter4849
    Apr 24, 2014
    6
    This latest effort from Mogwai was pretty anticipated for me, seeing as their last few albums have actually been pretty good. Although i don't think they'll ever top their debut, i was hoping this would be good enough. This definitely their most electronic album to date. Loads and loads of synths and keyboards here. With mixed results i feel. Way too slow and repetitive, but hypnotic atThis latest effort from Mogwai was pretty anticipated for me, seeing as their last few albums have actually been pretty good. Although i don't think they'll ever top their debut, i was hoping this would be good enough. This definitely their most electronic album to date. Loads and loads of synths and keyboards here. With mixed results i feel. Way too slow and repetitive, but hypnotic at least. Overall not bad, but nowhere near great.… Expand
  9. BrushedRed
    Dec 28, 2014
    8
    Obviously not as good as HSFHP but it's still good stuff and deserves a better rating. Lots of moments of ethereal bliss. I personally think "Remurdered" is the best. Give it a shot!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Under The Radar
    Feb 4, 2014
    40
    Sadly, post-rock heroes Mogwai continue to plod along by either replicating their former triumphs in a less effective, less effecting, and generally sheeny-shinier manner or by loafing around with the cack-handed utilization of "progressive" electronic elements.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Jan 29, 2014
    70
    Though not perfect, Rave Tapes shows a band comfortable in the expansion of their sound.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Jan 28, 2014
    80
    They sound leaner and more quietly aggressive than ever--a streamlined, seething version of themselves. [Feb 2014, p.118]
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