Mogwai
Mr. Beast
Matador (2006)
I'm riding a veritable roller coaster. Yes, arguably the most clichéd analogy to begin any form of discussion about a post-rock record; I'm painfully aware but it's late and I'm tired. But I'm not going to compare the music itself to an intricate, high energy ride, but rather to my own reaction to it. My own perception and reaction to … Read more
Mogwai
The Hawk is Howling
Matador (2008)
The usual post-rock sites were ablaze with "new Mogwai is boring" posts a few weeks before it was released, which signaled not only the impending leak had finally happened, but also the expected, but all-too-easy, tendency to judge before really listening. I would have just ignored these dismissals anyway, but they got me wondering what to expect with album previews … Read more
Moistboyz
V
Neverman Records (2013)
Moistboyz aren’t a particularly active group. The band, based around the duo of vocalist Guy Heller and multi-instrumentalist Mickey Melchiondo (aka Dean Ween), has only released five items in about twenty years. V is the third full-length in that bunch and, while the artists have aged, it’s clear they haven’t matured.The band plays an eclectic hard rock, with Heller’s sing-shout … Read more
Mokumedori
Mokumedori
Dewfall Records (2017)
How do you tell a fairy tale using only sound? That's a question seemingly answered by Japanese artist Mokumedori's self-titled album. Utilizing an eclectic variety of instruments, many of the toy variety, this album appeals directly to the imagination of its listener, almost daring you to come up with a story to accompany the music. While some might be tempted … Read more
Molia Falls
A Support Entry Title
THN (2007)
This is my first exposure to Molia Falls, as it may be for some others as well, and I am not sure what to expect at all from the CD that sits here. The packaging tells me little or rather, gives no impression of the type of music that may be hiding on this EP and that gives me pause. … Read more
Momentum
Whetting Occam's Razor
Halo of Flies (2012)
Momentum is a melodic hardcore band from the UK that writes music with a message. Whetting Occam's Razor is a full length that explores many different ideas with smart lyrics. Front man Alex (of Light Bearer and formerly Fall of Efrafa) writes with reason and intent combined with powerful music. At times, this album comes together to be something special. … Read more
Mommy and Daddy
Duel at Dawn
Kanine (2005)
I probably should have known something was up when two thirds of the reviews I read of Mommy and Daddy's Duel at Dawn talked more about how much fun they are live when you didn't quite know what to expect from them than about the album. Let it be a lesson to me. Who knows? Maybe, had I been in … Read more
Moñecho
Past Waters/Fever Lives
Self Released (2015)
In a past life – OK, like eight years ago - I found myself working at a furniture factory in small town Pennsylvania. While I've found worse methods of employment from time to time, this job was, to put it mildly, not an ideal use of my time and talents, revolving around strenuous manual labor and a generally mind-numbing work … Read more
Monikers
Wake Up
Kiss of Death (2008)
2008 was a year I kept hearing Monikers' name without knowing a thing about them. They turned up on split releases, message boards, and year end lists before I really familiarized myself with them. It turns out they live up to the endorsements received, not to mention the bonus points received for having an ex-Discount member. "80 Proof" kicks off … Read more
Monolith
Eclipse
Independent (2008)
A first record for a band taking their first steps is both exciting as well as potentially harrowing when putting one's work out for others to hear. Monolith make that leap with their debut album, Eclipse, and to be completely honest, I admire the fact that this Pennsylvania four-piece put the record out themselves. Monolith is one of those "post-rock" … Read more
Monolithe
Nebula Septem
Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions (2018)
Concept albums are hardly a new thing but for French band Monolithe and their seventh record, the conceptual aspect has been taken to the next level. Seven songs, exactly seven minutes long, each beginning with the first seven letters of the alphabet in sequence with each letter signalling the tonality of the track that is playing......it all sounds like a … Read more
Monolog & Subheim
Conviction
Denovali (2017)
This is the first collaboration between Monolog, master of Drum n Bass and IDM music, and Subheim, explorer of abstract electronica and admirer of ambiance. The two artists have a steady presence in the experimental scene, with Monolog starting off in the early '00s while Subheim appeared in the scene during the last few years of that decade.What is captivating … Read more
Monolord
Rust
Riding Easy (2017)
Sweden’s Monolord worship at the altar of the riff and on third effort Rust that riff comes downtuned, weighty and driven by bass. Vocals are hazy at best, which only adds to the ceremonial vibrations that Monolord deliver on a record that delves into darkness on its way to the end. Predecessor Vænir from 2015 was found to be lacking … Read more
Monte Penumbra
As Blades in the Firmament
End All Life (2021)
Monte Penumbra’s obscure origin dates back to 2013. The project of one W.uR suddenly appeared in the underground black metal scene with a debut full-length in Heirloom of Sullen Fall. Released at the time through Deamon Worship Productions, a label with an excellent pedigree of extreme metal having released music from the likes of Devouring Star and Wormlust, Heirloom of … Read more
Moon Duo
Occult Architecture Vol I & II
Sacred Bones (2017)
Based in San Fransisco, Moon Duo is the brainchild of Erik “Ripley” Johnson, known from his work in Wooden Shjips, and Sanae Yamada. Centering around a psychedelic perspective, the band has released a series of works, influenced by garage aesthetics and krautrock, projecting their own trippy themes within an existing framework.Occult Architecture is Moon Duo's latest full-length releases. Split into … Read more
Moon Duo
Stars are the Light
Sacred Bones (2019)
This year, Moon Duo released their seventh album, Stars are the Light, on Sarced Bones. Many of their signature spacey psychedelic elements are here: droning saturated guitars, looping synths, dual hypnotic vocals. But Moon Duo have another motive this time around -- getting our bodies moving.As they depart from machine-driven krautrock rhythms, they often slow down the tempo and bring … Read more
Moonlit Sailor
We Come From Exploding Stars
Deep Elm (2014)
A post-rock review is always a challenge. If you think it’s tough to capture the attention of an audience and carry them on your journey, musically, for 45 minutes without lyrics or choruses then try writing about that action. The successes and failures of the genre come in the ebb and flow, the storytelling, atmosphere, and ability to pull away … Read more
Moonraker
The Forest
Bearded Punk Records, Bypolar Records, No Time Records, Tiny Dragon Music (2022)
I expected to like this based on hearing a few Moonraker songs in recent years. But this is definitely my surprise record or “new [to me]” find of the year so far. If you’ve read my other reviews, you know I generally think intro tracks are worthless. But, in this case, I take it back. “Incendium” is the best intro … Read more
