KWLC reviews Murs, Mogwai

Murs - Murs for President

Making his major label debut, hip hop artist Murs released “Murs for President” at the end of last month. Throughout his most recent release, Murs demonstrates his versatility in witty and overtly political rhymes.

Diving directly into his statement on the album, Murs drops the song “The Science.” It begins with a playful flute, enticing listeners, and then Murs starts hitting hard issues. He raps about genocide and slavery at first, then discusses how the government is trying to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. Finally the song ends with the lyric “Drop science, while they drop bombs.”

Murs maintains a smooth beat and hard lyrical sound throughout “Murs for President.” It is an excellent album about struggles, and he emphasizes that these struggles arise from the government. If you are okay with this and are looking for an album that will tell you who to vote for this Tuesday, Murs has a good one for you.

- Trevor “Turkish” Ruwich, Hip Hop DJ

Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling

While I listened to “The Hawk is Howling” for the first time, I hoped for a new and evolved form of Mogwai. After the first few minutes of the opening track, entitled “I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead,” it was easy to hear that they are still satisfied with their signature sound, consisting of formulaic, laid-back, trance-inducing motifs.

Though these Scottish pioneers in instrumental rock added some electronic elements into the mix, they have definitely felt comfortable sticking with the same sound for the past few years. The slower tracks, such as “Thank You Space Expert,” show that beauty can be found in the simplest of musical ideas. Other songs, such as “The Sun Smells Too Loud,” steer away from the ambient and somber sound Mogwai is better known for, replacing it with faster tempos and happier melodies and taking the listener on an ever-changing musical journey.

The Hawk is Howling will not be anything surprising to long-time Mogwai fans, and may be a bit disappointing to those hoping for a fresh and unique post-rock album, but the musicianship surely remains solid throughout. With fantastic albums from Sigur Ros and This Will Destroy You earlier this year, this album is definitely in great company and deserves to be listened to at least once.

- Andrew Prahlow, KWLC DJ