Mogwai - Atomic

Mogwai
Atomic
2016
Spotify

At first sight Atomic is exactly what the cover says it is, a soundtrack. This album specifically is Mogwai's attempt to score a documentary film by Mark Cousins' called Atomic: Living In Dread and Promise which takes a look at the archival footage of a world wrapped up in the dropping of the atomic bomb along with the fallout and the Cold War that came after. The idea that the Bomb changed everything is not a new one, but exploring the actual ramifications and seeing through archival footage actual images of that hangover is fascinating. What is even more fascinating though is what Mogwai have done to accompany this movie. Atomic on it's own is lush, expansive, terrifying and inspiring all at the same time. If the movie is supposed to cause an emotional response the addition of this soundtrack takes it to a whole other level. Many times with soundtracks, songs tend to linger just a bit to long because the intent is to make the movie better, but Atomic is a whole world of it's own. Each track builds these incredible post-rock layers that pulse in and out of existence almost using your own breathing pace to pull you in even deeper into it's world. The first track "Ether" opens with a twinkling promise, but the tension is realized and built upon with "SCRAM". Atmoic to Mogwai's credit actually sounds more like something that Explosions In The Sky would, but Mogwai have cracked that code and created something really special.

The album feels a bit longer than it actually is at only 48 minutes, but it never drags each track is just given a lot of space to move and grow. That tense feeling really does not let up until "Are You Dancer?" where the strings finally give you a bit of relief, and a promise of something lighter to come. In context this album is magnificent, but the real special piece is when you look at it out of context. You still get that same feeling, that same emotion whether you are aware of the subject matter or not, being aware of it just makes you all the more in the know. In a world of singles and jump cuts it would probably be impossible for someone with a short attention span to give this record the time it needs to build and grow and that's a real shame. The beauty and relief that is the final three songs of this record, is just magical. There are points in "Are You Dancer?" where you will find yourself absolutely transfixed, unable to pull away or even focus on anything but what is coming into your ears. "Tzar" gives you that head banging, full arm dancing release that has been promised and pined for throughout the record. Atomic though a soundtrack it may technically be is a record that is really special and should be given the time and space it deserves. Do not miss this one.

9.0 out of 10