A low hum is the first thing heard. It's nearly an inaudible sound, like the opening of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Soon other instruments join and overlap: strings, guitar, and glockenspiel.
The inimitable Godspeed You Black Emperor returns with another soundtrack for our times. As the heretical anarcho-punk spirit of the title implies, Godspeed harnesses some particularly raw power.
A full decade ago, Godspeed You! Black Emperor released Yanqui U.X.O. with no publicity or press availability, no marketing plans, no cross-promotions or brand synergies, driven by word-of-mouth from a passionate and committed fanbase.
Godspeed’s new album is an incredible and emotional gut punch – likely their best since their re-emergence. It’s incredibly memorable, heavy and rousing.
The arrival of a new Mogwai album - their eleventh - is cause for great celebration. The album's title, The Bad Fire, is a working-class Glaswegian term for Hell.