Whether the title of the album refers to the gentlemen of Mogwai himself is not really clear, but they are strange birds. During interviews the band likes to show their cynical humor where the journalist on duty is often the target. Quite a contrast to their moody music. The good news of The Hawk Is Howling is that Mogwai is back to the level of their early albums. Opening track I'm Jim Morrison,
… I'm Dead (yes, the curious song titles have also remained) sets the right tone. Slowly the band builds up a stately atmosphere, but where on previous albums the listener sometimes had to wait a while for the release, the group is already going on the second track Batcat with gritty guitars. The uncompromising music on The Hawk Is Howling may not be 'comfortable in the car', but it is a cinematic immersion in the wonderful world of five gifted musicians. The listener who dares to surrender to this will get that investment back. (PdK)more
