Mogwai
My Father My king

In my very own little book "about music and my musical tastes" and inserted in the section called "song form," this perhaps little-known EP by Mogwai finds its place. I've read unflattering reviews and not entirely favorable opinions about it. Sure, Mogwai have probably made better records, but this one stylistically encapsulates them all. It's perfect. For those who don't know them, it could almost be a "little guide" to their sound style, and for those who already appreciate their musical talents, it's a confirmation. And what a confirmation.

Is it perhaps self-celebration? If so, I don't care... and my ears are smiling. (Who could blame them?) 20:12 for a single track: "My Father My King" is primarily a succession of sudden changes in tone and mood. Precise and impeccable as always. Stretched beyond measure. No words as decoration... "just" music and nothing more. It starts slow, almost unwilling; the notes follow each other but don't make noise: first the guitar, then a timid drum... the music blends and takes shape slowly, undisturbed by the passing time, shy and languid; melodiously repetitive... Now the guitars are warm and the drums can be heard, we're at the turning point. Just over four minutes have passed, and what was lazy just a moment ago, what was idle just a moment ago, now all has ignited and turned colorful; hieratic guitars now rise strong with strident notes for almost two minutes, but it's a false alarm, and in an instant, we find ourselves facing calm waters... everything has returned as before, one could almost sleep. It was a brief but intense surge, and it left its mark; like a volcano that erupts and then quiets down... and seems to sleep forever. But nature does not quell, it's in continuous motion, and the volcano awakens again, and this time it’s serious, erupting again in a sequence of controlled geometric notes at first, then culminating in a deafening lava flow that engulfs and amazes... Sonic distortions close the piece and put an end to this adrenaline rush...

Speechless. It's "just" music, without words.