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10.0
61769
10.0 |
The Skinny
Rave Tapes is filled with expert contrasts, making this a pulse-quickening return from a band that’s still evolving, and still amazing
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9.0
61803
9.0 |
musicOMH
Rave Tapes might not be a complete change in direction for Mogwai, but it is different enough to suggest that there’s plenty of inventiveness left in the band yet
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9.0
61889
9.0 |
The Digital Fix
Although Rave Tapes may not alter much from the well-honed Mogwai formula, this is an enthralling work that will burrow its way into your soul. Album of the year contender already? You bet your life it is
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9.0
71782
9.0 |
Exclaim
This is perhaps their most engrossing effort since the Young Team's debut
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8.0
61893
8.0 |
DIY
These unnerving moments and electronic flourishes show that 'Rave Tapes' is more than a side step. This won’t change your mind about Mogwai but it does more than enough to underline the fact that they are one of the most singular, interesting and disarming bands out there
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8.0
61944
8.0 |
No Ripcord
Honestly, Rave Tapes deserves a movie to score because it tells a story I would love to know more about
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8.0
61952
8.0 |
Paste Magazine
No matter what terrain Mogwai chooses to explore, it’s likely going to be a graceful, satisfying journey
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8.0
62016
8.0 |
The 405
Whilst Rave Tapes doesn't really do anything new, it would be unfair to accuse Mogwai of complacency
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8.0
61899
8.0 |
Fact
it’ll give you tingles, and it strongly suggests that there is a whole lot more reinvention still left in this band. This album is not just exciting for its sound, but for what it promises too.
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8.0
61773
8.0 |
Clash
Taken as a piece, as a work unto itself, ‘Rave Tapes’ is undoubtedly one of Mogwai’s strongest, most complete statements
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8.0
61774
8.0 |
Q
They sound leaner and more quietly aggressive than ever - a streamlined, seething version of themselves. Print edition only
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8.0
61775
8.0 |
Mojo
Does not find Mogwai colonising new territory, but that seems fair when their own stretch of land is still giving up such gold. Print edition only
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8.0
61777
8.0 |
Uncut
Music that has the power to terrorise but also delight. Print edition only
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8.0
61784
8.0 |
Time Out
‘Rave Tapes’ is Mogwai’s death-disco album. All hail their (re)murder on the dancefloor
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8.0
61829
8.0 |
The Irish Times
With the epic wig-outs of Master Card and Hexon Bogon to sate fans of their rockier moments, it’s a hit
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8.0
61835
8.0 |
The Guardian
An excellent follow up to 2011's Hardcore Will Never Die, on which they seem to be recalling a rave of sorts
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8.0
61841
8.0 |
The Quietus
Rave Tapes may not be their definitive album, and even if that never comes, it adds another clutch of undeniably brilliant songs to their arsenal
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8.0
61878
8.0 |
State
Such a mismatch unbalances the collection of songs and disrupts the continuity required to raise an album from being a very good one to a being a great one. But the quality of the stronger material still sees its through
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8.0
61881
8.0 |
The List
It all feels more deliberately understated than usual, if no less emotional
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8.0
61884
8.0 |
The Independent
Though typically methodical, it glows with a kind of staid, epiphanic inner-beauty, the most elegant, graceful thing they’ve ever recorded
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8.0
61886
8.0 |
The Observer
Their eighth album proper is clearly designed to be played very loud indeed
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7.5
61771
7.5 |
The Line Of Best Fit
An elaborate and intelligent album from a group that isn’t interested in grabbing their listeners by the scruff of their collective neck anymore; instead, today’s Mogwai are purveyors of nuance and subtlety, and fine ones at that
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7.0
61772
7.0 |
Drowned In Sound
A collection that maintains everything the band does so well without really furthering it in any particularly meaningful way
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7.0
61770
7.0 |
Entertainment.ie
A tamer beast that rewards patient listening with a record that is their most consistent release in quite some time
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7.0
61786
7.0 |
A.V. Club
Perhaps the sound of a band wilfully slowing things down...And that’s all we ever wanted
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7.0
61796
7.0 |
NME
Doesn't stray far from Mogwai's comfort zone, but nor is it the sound of a band clapped out. Print edition only
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7.0
61901
7.0 |
All Music
Rave Tapes takes a while to hit its stride, but it delivers plenty of moments to keep fans intrigued once it does
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7.0
61934
7.0 |
Rolling Stone
Many were born to rock; Mogwai were born to score
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7.0
61826
7.0 |
Loud And Quiet
The sound of a band wilfully slowing things down
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7.0
62146
7.0 |
PopMatters
Though not perfect, Rave Tapes shows a band comfortable in the expansion of their sound
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6.0
71781
6.0 |
Independent on Sunday
One track can pass into the next almost unnoticed, which takes us, perhaps inevitably, back to soundtrack territory
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6.0
61892
6.0 |
God Is In The TV
If anything, Rave Tapes reminds me of the aforementioned Sigur Ros’ criminally underrated 2012 album Valtari; a restrained album with no standout tracks and which creatively treads water, but which does it in such a beautiful way it becomes far more than the sum of its parts
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6.0
61939
6.0 |
Evening Standard
And even if the word “soundscape” leaves you cold, it’s still worth buying just to frame the cover
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6.0
61874
6.0 |
Pitchfork
Here, Mogwai’s cautionary approach all but drowns out the faint echoes of the once brave band struggling to get out from within
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5.8
61941
5.8 |
Consequence Of Sound
While other bands strain to reinvent themselves, Mogwai seems happy enough playing Mogwai. Why blame them? It’s what they do best
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4.0
61897
4.0 |
The Arts Desk
Anyone expecting an homage to the the ecstasy rush of the 303 sound of the late 1980's acid house is going to be dissapointed
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4.0
62363
4.0 |
Under The Radar
They'll all sound better live 'n' loud, but will any of these tracks be repeatedly requested by gig-goers
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