Mogwai’s new album remains tantalizingly tough to pin down. The first taste from the Scottish post-rock survivors’ upcoming Rave Tapes was “Remurdered,” an eerie slow-builder that neatly builds on the group’s horror-show activities the past couple of years. Latest offering “The Lord Is Out of Control” is comparatively languid, pouring molten distortion over somber guitar arpeggios and ghostly, vocoder-like murmurs.
The Noisey-premiered video is alluring yet elusive, set in Hawaii but emphasizing darker hues. Directed by Antony Crook, the clip follows dancing gymnasts, an odd man raising up masks on tall poles, and a shiny-jacketed woman wandering the landscape. The sun comes out in full only in the final, colorfully resplendent seconds. The good Lord might not be in control, but Mogwai sure seem to be.
Raves Tapes marks Mogwai’s first proper album since 2011’s Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. It’s due out January 21 in North America via Sub Pop. Pre-order the record at Sub Pop’s website and check out Mogwai’s 2014 tour dates here.
