Mogwai / Errors @ Granada Theater

Heading into this show, I really did not know what to expect.  Of my expectations, I only knew one would be certain:  volume.  Having never seen Mogwai before, their reputation has definitely preceded them in this aspect, as well as being a fantastic live band overall.  For some, I could see where it could be a sensory overload, but for most casual concert goers, it was a sight (and sound) to behold.

Errors, fellow countrymen and artists on Mogwai's label, opened the show with their brand of "post-electro", which is essentially a mix of the heavy sound of post-rock and the beats and synths of electro; go figure.  Together, the combination provided a pretty unique sound that was easily accessible by fans of either genre.  But truth be told, the electro aspect of the music really stood out over its rocker counterpart.  Not to say it's a bad thing but necessarily an even split.  I thought they were quite enjoyable and I had fairly high expectations after seeing so many positive remarks regarding their shows in recent weeks.

After Errors' performance, I had to prepare my ears for the auditory onslaught the quintet from Glasgow was about to produce.  From the opening notes of "White Noise", I knew I was in for a treat.  With the help of a long, narrow screen above and vast light fixtures, it became easy to slip away and lose yourself in the music.  For me, I protect my ears and hearing at all costs but I found myself pulling out my earloves to catch each note in all its glory.  At times, the soundscapes were brutal and punishing but in the blink of an eye, they were subdued and atmospheric.  The nearly two-hour set consisted mostly of tracks from their latest effort, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, with a handful of older tracks thrown in, especially towards the end of their performance.  My highlights of the show included "How To Be a Werewolf", "2 Rights Make 1 Wrong", "Mogwai Fear Satan" and set-closing "Glasgow Mega-Snake".  If you have the chance, I would definitely catch them as they are a phenomenal live band.  Pictures and videos of the show are below:

enjoy.