By: Gareth Watkin
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Released on December 1, 2014 via Rock Action
Following on from the release of the brilliant Rave Tapes, Scottish post-rockers Mogwai present what could be described as a companion piece or a simple extra to the album, titled Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1. The new EP compiles together three tracks that didn’t make it on to the Rave Tapes album, as well as three remixes. It seem a short release, perhaps only appealing to hardcore fans of Mogwai hungry for more and more material, and whilst that notion has merit to it, Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1 offers up some very interesting ideas and notions, broadening the band’s creative palette, as well as showcasing some interesting insight to some of Rave Tapes‘ best tracks.
While the EP doesn’t perhaps expand upon the ideas and concepts presented on Rave Tapes, what we are offered is something that is certainly interesting and highly enjoyable within its own right. The EP’s opening track ‘Teenage Exorcists’ features fuzzy guitar riffs, and lovely vocal tracks, which isn’t unheard of in Mogwai songs, but certainly of surprise every time it pops up. Mogwai then follow on with ‘History Day’ and ‘HMP Shaun William Ryder’, both of which come across as incredibly strong Mogwai tracks, reminiscent of the strengths of the Bat Cat EP, though not in style.
It seems these studio outtakes are the really appealing element of the EP, showcasing the wonderful creative talents and phenomenal energy that make up great Mogwai tracks. The EP then follows on with three remixes, and with the exception of Nils Frahm’s remix of ‘The Lord Is Out Of Control’, we’re not really offered much that really stands out. The tracks themselves are certainly interesting, providing different slants on how the songs can be presented, though they don’t come across as strongly as their original versions, making them seem a little bit like filler material on an otherwise incredibly strong EP.
The inclusion of the remixes don’t drastically hurt the EP’s strengths, which is another great release from Mogwai, though their appeal is certainly limited. The real strengths of the EP come from the three studio outtakes, all of which showcase some remarkable creative ideas that to have never released them at all would be a great shame. ‘Music Industry 3. Fitness Industry 1’ is perhaps not the best release from Mogwai, though there is a great amount on offer to anyone who adores the phenomenal Scottish band.
