Mogwai has been creating atmospheric, largely instrumental rock since its formation in 1995, but the Scottish band is harder to pin down both musically and geographically than its contemporaries. While Explosions in the Skys expansive, three-guitar attack evokes the Texas plains and the otherworldly micro-symphonies of Sigur Rós seem fitting for a band confined to Iceland, Mogwais more straightforward approach to post-rock makes it comparatively difficult to place. This universality is on full display on the bands latest album, the brilliantly titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, which just might be its best since 1997s critically lauded Mogwai Young Team. The songs crest and fall on Stuart Braithwaite and John Cummings nuanced guitar work and Martin Bullochs subdued, propulsive drumming, resulting in music that is wordless yet somehow relatable at the same time. With Errors. ANDREW GOSPE
Sat., May 7, 8 p.m., 2011
