Rave Tapes
by Mogwai
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 21, 2014
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Jan 23, 2014
    60
    More than a decade out from the band’s shift into electronic music and their reinvention as what at times seems to be a soundtrack band, it’s hard to tell if Mogwai have aged well or just sort of boringly mellowed.
  2. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jan 21, 2014
    60
    So far, so Mogwai. However, a few surprises have been chucked in, too.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jan 21, 2014
    60
    Mogwai’s cautionary approach all but drowns out the faint echoes of the once brave band struggling to get out from within.
  5. Consequence
    Jan 21, 2014
    58
    Rave Tapes sees Mogwai doing what they do best in the way they’ve always done it. For better or worse, this is archetypical Mogwai.
  6. Under The Radar
    Feb 4, 2014
    40
    Sadly, post-rock heroes Mogwai continue to plod along by either replicating their former triumphs in a less effective, less effecting, and generally sheeny-shinier manner or by loafing around with the cack-handed utilization of "progressive" electronic elements.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 21, 2014
    40
    They are pros, the best at what they do, but this is running on empty.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 45
  3. Negative: 3 out of 45
  1. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 21, 2014
    6
    Rave Tapes is enjoyable atmospherically, but it lacks gripping instrumentation to keep me returning to it - something that needs to be presentRave Tapes is enjoyable atmospherically, but it lacks gripping instrumentation to keep me returning to it - something that needs to be present on an instrumental album.… Full Review »
  2. nicholasbert
    Jan 21, 2014
    6
    When you make instrumental music you need to make sure that your songs are strong enough to support the lack of emotion that inevitablyWhen you make instrumental music you need to make sure that your songs are strong enough to support the lack of emotion that inevitably follows the lack of words, and although "Rave Tapes" is strong and confident, it doesn't take off.

    Now, I understand that Mogwai are post-rock's darlings, so they'll probably never get a bad review from a critic, but we need to ask ourselves if this record would have ever been published if it were a debut album by an unknown band.    … Full Review »
  3. Haverford
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    With Mogwai, it's always been "either you get it or you don't" or maybe more "either their music moves you or it doesn't". If you love theirWith Mogwai, it's always been "either you get it or you don't" or maybe more "either their music moves you or it doesn't". If you love their earlier stuff, I'm pretty sure this one will do it for you too. They're exploring slightly new terrain here, but it's still good old Mogwai. Stately, atmospheric, cinematic, intense...… Full Review »
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