Melodic at Moonstar

In what is likely to be the last international concert to round out 2011, Scottish instrumental rock group Mogwai will be on stage tonight for their long-overdue Bangkok debut. 

It takes a brave critic to label their brooding and eerie compositions though “post-rock” is the term most widely describe their sound. Happy to be simply called a rock band because “it just sounds crap” according to guitarist Barry Burns, Mogwai has more than 10 studio album and remix entries under their belt since forming back in 1996. Their notable hits include “Auto Rock” and “Take Me Somewhere Nice”, which are frequently featured in popular films and television series. Mogwai’s latest album, “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will” was performed at this year’s iTunes Festival in the UK and at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. 

Supporting the band tonight are aspiring Japanese band Toe, and local superstars Modern Dog. 

Burns gave us an interview via email. 

 

What are you guys up to now?

We are getting ready to go to America to play some shows on the East Coast and the ATP festival. Then we will have our first show in China after that.

 

How did the fans like your latest CD? 

The album is perhaps a bit more accessible than many of our older albums. Lots of unusual sounds for us to be using and a lot of happier sounding songs.

 

Was it agreed since the beginning not to have a singer?

Not until we realised we were not very good at singing!

 

Which lyricist do you admire? 

Bob Dylan; he is still one of the best. 

 

Do you guys always have similar interpretations of your songs?

I doubt it; it’s not something we talk about really. We would like it if people had their own ideas about what our songs mean. We don’t want to or need to have a message for anyone. It’s just music.

 

How has your sound evolved since 1995? 

We’ve become a bit better at playing our instruments so I think that helps. Plus computers have played a bigger role in the music too. I like a lot of plug-ins, and my favourite ones are Ultra Analog and Tassman plus lots of Native Instruments plug-ins.

 

What keep you inspired? 

The need to never work in a supermarket again. I don't know though, probably other music and books but I can't really pinpoint anything.

 

What are you listening to right now? 

A band called Clams Casino and the new Error’s record, which is amazing.

 

What can we expect from your Bangkok debut show? 

Hopefully very, very good. It's always nice to play somewhere we haven't played before. We have been to Thailand, except for Dominic, but never played a show there. I’m really looking forward to plenty of “ga prow chicken”.

 

 

The right chord

>> Mogwai performs tonight at Moonstar Studio on Lat Phrao Soi 80, from 8pm. Tickets are Bt1,000 from Thai Ticket Major.

>> Call (02) 262 3456 or buy online at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.