Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound

Showcasing the band's expansive cinematic sound, this musical labour of love charts Mogwai's history, from its inception in 1995 to the release of the band's tenth album, 2021's "As the Love Continues".

Over 25 years and 10 studio albums — using brute sonic force mixed with subtlety and grace — Mogwai have defined their own musical genre and built a loyal following by staying true to their sound and true to their roots. Described as “The blueprint for what an independent group should be” (John Doran, The British Masters), Mogwai built a cult following by staying true to their sound and true to their roots. The film takes us on a journey from their very beginnings, in the mid 1990s, to the band writing and rehearsing their tenth studio album in their hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 - a record made during lockdown. While at first seemingly impossible to make, they ultimately made history with it.

Antony Crook, acclaimed photographer and director, and long term Mogwai collaborator punctuated the film with moments of live performance and pre-recorded tracks capturing the essence of Mogwai’s near 30-year career.

Formed in 1995 by Stuart Braithwaite, Dominic Aitchison and Martin Bulloch, Mogwai was a key in shaping the sound of post-rock. Taking their name from the creature in Joe Dante’s Gremlins (‘it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one,’ Braithwaite has noted), the band established themselves with early single Summer, before releasing their debut album Mogwai Young Team in 1997. In the years since, the band has seen a variety of other members join and leave, and featured a variety of guest vocalists, while their sound has embraced increasingly complexity. They have also branched into soundtracks for narrative and documentary films. Antony Crook’s feature directorial debut captures the band as they record As the Love Continues during lockdown, while tracing their history through a rich trove of archive footage.