Mogwai

In the context of the Curiosa Festival, an apparent attempt to build an Ozzfest-like event around the nostalgia-fueled rediscovery of Robert Smith, Mogwai (below) is the odd band out. In a lineup that's chock-a-block with acts heavily indebted to the man with the pastiest complexion in show business, this Glaswegian...

By Michael Roberts

August 12, 2004

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In the context of the Curiosa Festival, an apparent attempt to build an Ozzfest-like event around the nostalgia-fueled rediscovery of Robert Smith, Mogwai (below) is the odd band out. In a lineup that's chock-a-block with acts heavily indebted to the man with the pastiest complexion in show business, this Glaswegian combo can hardly be accused of imitation: Most of its material focuses not on vocals, but on sprawling aural landscapes intended to open ears and expand minds. Discs such as 2001's Rock Action and the 2003 EP Happy Songs for Happy People find cohorts Stuart Braithwaite, Dominic Aitchison, Martin Bulloch and John Cummings blending standard and atypical instrumentation throughout tracks that eschew the time-tested verse-verse-chorus structure in favor of moody creations that are infinitely more organic. The combo's efforts require active listening, which may be tough to come by at an outdoor venue in the bright glare of day. On the other hand, Mogwai's protoplasmic sounds are likely to be especially welcome on such a homogeneous bill. With luck, they may provide the remedy for too many clones of the Cure.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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