Over the course of their career, Mogwai have consistently released skilled experimental and intense instrumentals. On 2003's Happy Songs for Happy People, they showed just how pretty those instrumentals can be, and their latest record is best in moments that return to that sound. For me, the name Mr. Beast conjures up an image of Metallica's St. Anger - couple that with a more aggressive sound, and one could refer to this as Mogwai's "metal album." "Glasgow Mega-Snake" and "We're No Here" border a little to close on Nu Metal, even though the band could mop the floor with anyone falling under that label. The two vocal tracks are a bit of a mixed bag (as often is the case) - with its drum machine beats "Acid Food" is solid indie pop, but "Travel is Dangerous" is merely a mediocre rock song. After losing myself in songs like "Hunted by a Freak" three years ago, I find myself seeking out gorgeous songs that pack the same emotional wallop. Thankfully, they are here, as well - the lovely piano meets guitar feedback of "Friend of the Night," the beautiful simplicity of "Emergency Trap," and the heartbreaking "Team Handed." Obviously the group hasn't lost their touch, but Mr. Beast is a bit more unfocused than previous efforts.
3 (out of 5)
::(mp3) "Folk Death '95" (courtesy of Matador)
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