Rave Tapes
by Mogwai
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 21, 2014
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
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  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 present on an instrumental album.
  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 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    When 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.    … Expand
  3. Scooter4849
    Apr 24, 2014
    6
    This latest effort from Mogwai was pretty anticipated for me, seeing as their last few albums have actually been pretty good. Although i don't think they'll ever top their debut, i was hoping this would be good enough. This definitely their most electronic album to date. Loads and loads of synths and keyboards here. With mixed results i feel. Way too slow and repetitive, but hypnotic atThis latest effort from Mogwai was pretty anticipated for me, seeing as their last few albums have actually been pretty good. Although i don't think they'll ever top their debut, i was hoping this would be good enough. This definitely their most electronic album to date. Loads and loads of synths and keyboards here. With mixed results i feel. Way too slow and repetitive, but hypnotic at least. Overall not bad, but nowhere near great.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. PopMatters
    Jan 29, 2014
    70
    Though not perfect, Rave Tapes shows a band comfortable in the expansion of their sound.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Jan 28, 2014
    80
    They sound leaner and more quietly aggressive than ever--a streamlined, seething version of themselves. [Feb 2014, p.118]
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