Review: Mogwai - 'Zidane' Soundtrack

Upon its initial UK release, Skye gave a fantastic review of the Mogwai-induced soundtrack to soccer-based film, Zidane. Now that the work has finally arrived in the States six months later (officially in stores as of this Tuesday), I figured it was time for a second Slut's perspective into the glowing post-rocking piece.

For those unfamiliar with Zidane, IMDB explains: 'halfway between a sports documentary and an conceptual art installation, "Zidane" consists in a full-length soccer game (Real Madrid vs. Villareal, April 23, 2005) entirely filmed from the perspective of soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane.' Though I've yet to see the movie, I can see why Mogwai would be an appropriate band to score the film (in similar fashion to Explosions In The Sky's contribution to Friday Night Lights, which turned out to be a rousing success). Deeply emotive music weaved with slow-motion sports clips is, somehow, a magical marriage.

While Zidane is not the official follow-up to Mogwai's '06 release, Mr. Beast, the soundtrack takes a natural step in Beast's direction. Mogwai's famously undulating tracks are relatively short in length (most tunes average around the five minute mark) compared to their earlier work and the pieces seem to be much gentler than everything they've put to record prior to and including Rock Action. Another magnificent collection from the Scots.

Check out my review of Mogwai's Webster Hall show, dating back to last May here.

MP3: Mogwai - Wake Up And Go Berserk