Preparing for the rescheduled Mogwai gig in Athens this Saturday we asked our resident post-rock expert Tim Young what to expect of the Scottish lads' live.
atrihos pithikos: Good morning Tim! Before we start on Mogwai I'd like to thank you for agreeing to talk to me today.
tim young: You don't have to thank me, atrihe, I'm shaking like a leaf right now knowing that my humble self will appear on that lovely blog Aghio Tsipouraki. Thank you!
ap: Oh, that's nice. Would you like some tsipouro? It'll really help our conversation.
ty: That would be grand!
ap: OK, that's done. Tell me now, what do you think of the Scotland independence referendum which will be held in 2014? Do you reckon the Scottish will destroy the union?
ty: You caught me by surprise there, atrihe! Are you Greeks really interested in our independence with all your problems?
ap: I was hoping you'll shed some light on the situation.
ty: I'd rather not, you know, I'm only an expert on post-rock and especially Mogwai, but I've read two excellent articles about the referendum here. I think the Scottish Socialist Party actually got it right.
ap: Really? Thank you for that. On our subject now. Post-rock. 2011 is gone and 2012 is on it's way, maybe earth's last year according to some lunatics. Was it a good year for post-rock afficionados around the globe?
ty: It wasn't the best, I can tell you that! Apart from Mogwai's two releases, Explosion in the Sky's Take care... and the news that GYBE! are ready to record a new album, nothing much happened in 2011.
ap: I couldn't agree more on that! Post-rock's future seems bleak right now.
ty: Actually, hope comes from the weirdest places. I've just listened to an album by a Greek band called Misuse and it sounds amazing!
ap: So, you liked their album April, didn't you? That's awesome! I loved it too and I'm preparing a review for Aghio Tsipouraki. Did you know that they were supporting Mogwai on their first gig in Greece years ago? I didn't think much of them back then.
ty: Really? They've nailed it this time though.
ap: I remember that concert. It wasn't what I expected but it was a sound problem rather than Mogwai not living up to their standards. I saw them again in Wolverhampton and I can tell you it was one of the best concerts I've ever attended -finishing off with ...Fear Satan. God, what a thrill!
ty: Spot on! Mogwai's gigs are an intense and sweaty experience whatever the playlist. They've recorded some weak albums lately but their live concerts remain one of the few. I'm telling ya there's no greater way to show your skills on the traditional post-rock moves than with Stuart in front of you giving his old guitar a hard time!
ap: Oh, please Tim stop! I just can't wait till Saturday!
ty: Aye, I didnae think you could, ya cunt! I know I can't. Pump up the volume lad, that's Batcat playing, can't hear a thing. This tsipouro of yourse is realy kickin in!
ap: Ok, Tim, I think it's time you stopped talking. You're started swearing in your fake glaswegian accent and our blog is a family thing. Just listen and drink.
ty: Aye. Magnifico.
