Latitude 2014: Mogwai attack the senses at Latitude 2014

Scottish group headline the BBC Radio 6Music Stage, bringing strobes and hexagons in devilish supply.
Hexagons have never looked so formidable. They’re lined up in rows for Mogwai’s stage set-up; and they’ve been a permanent fixture of the 6Music Stage since the beginning of play. Once these Scots eventually land, they live up to the promise of being the loudest, most uncompromising band on the bill. But in turn, they deliver a set with the odd surprise.
Stuart Braithwaite and co. spend half their time building. Their songs equate to a gust of wind, one that sweeps the conscience up without a moment’s notice, leaves it hanging in limbo for an eternity, before sending it pummelling back down to earth. It’s when they enter with a bang, however, that things turn up a notch.
Their new record might have been handed the tongue-in-cheek title ‘Rave Tapes’, but it’s the songs on ‘Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will’ that bring out the foreboding strobes. ‘Mexican Grand Phix’ is like an attack, never quitting in raising the pulse over and over again. It sticks to the gut, making an impact with jagged drums, harsh synth lines; everything analog and unforgiving.
It’s difficult to equate this experience to any of their albums. Songs link seamlessly, each one upping the anti in terms of intensity. By the end it’s like being sucked into a black hole, given an easy exit in the form of two more days on Henham Park. It’s difficult to imagine anything being topped in terms of an attack on the senses, though.

DIY is the official media partner at Latitude 2014. We’ll be bringing you extensive coverage from in and around the fest, and you can find copies of the July 2014 issue in the Latitude supermarket!
Latitude 2014

News
Future Islands show up the competition at Latitude 2014
The band overcome side of stage antics to deliver the goods.
July 20, 2014 9:10pm

News
Parquet Courts & Eagulls clash brilliantly at Latitude 2014
The touring buddies may be playing in the same slot, but they’re both brilliant.
July 20, 2014 8:39pm

News
Latitude 2014 in photos: Sunday 20th July
DIY’s roaming snappers report back on the final day of Latitude 2014.
July 20, 2014 8:10pm

News
George Ezra attracts quite the crowd at Latitude 2014
The ‘Wanted On Voyage’ singer fills up the BBC 6music tent and then some.
July 20, 2014 6:00pm

News
Atomic Bomb explodes into life on the Sunday afternoon of Latitude 2014
Who is William Onyeabor? Latitude is about to find out…
July 20, 2014 5:30pm
News
Phosphorescent brings the calm to Latitude 2014
Obelisk Arena is drawn to a beautiful hush on the Sunday afternoon.
July 20, 2014 4:52pm

News
Bombay Bicycle Club grace the Obelisk Arena at Latitude 2014
The London band warm up the crowd ahead of Damon Albarn’s Saturday night headlining set.
July 20, 2014 1:00pm

News
The Bohicas bring fizzy pop to Latitude 2014’s Lake Stage
Dominic McGuinness and co. upped the anti on Saturday afternoon.
July 20, 2014 11:32am