Review by Shannon Shumaker
With every single release (no matter how close together they may seem) Mogwai always deliver. Music Industry 3 Fitness Industry 1, while only six songs in length – three of which are remixes from the band’s previous album, Rave Tapes – is dreamy, poppy and ambient all rolled into one.
The EP starts off with the dreamy anthem, “Teenage Exorcists.” There’s a lot to this track, especially considering the fact that it’s the only new song on the EP with vocals. The guitar work on this track has a really pretty fuzzy tone, which meshes perfectly with the airy vocals. “Teenage Exorcists” is easily the most upbeat and poppy song on the album, and it just serves to showcase Mogwai’s versatility alongside “History Day” and “HMP Shaun William Ryder,” which are both ambient instrumental tracks.
“History Day” is eerie yet relaxing and very quiet and mellow compared to “Teenage Exorcists.” That being said, the songs flow amazingly into one another, and the transition from “History Day” to the gorgeous track “HMP Shaun William Ryder” is seamless. These two songs are just easy to listen to – despite the eerie ambience in them, they’re absolutely relaxing and easy to get lost in.
The second half of Music Industry 3 Fitness Industry 1 is three remixes of tracks from Mogwai’s album, Rave Tapes. While these songs are remixes, it’s almost impossible to compare them to the original tracks. The lead guitar hooks and melodies are intact, but for the most part, these three remixes sound completely different (and much more danceable and upbeat) than the originals, and the result is awesome. The only downside is that the two halves of this EP don’t mesh very well because the sound in each half is very different. However, it only goes to prove Mogwai’s diversity. In only six songs, Music Industry 3 Fitness Industry 1 manages to go from an indie pop anthem, to beautiful ambient tracks, to catchy danceable remixes, and it absolutely works.
Rating: 4/5
Listen to “Teenage Exorcists”