Godspeed You! Black Emperor

In conjunction with ATP, Mogwai were tasked with curating a series of events from artists that inspired or intrigued them through the years. One such act could be seen as the pretenders to their post rock crown and one who Mogwai have a great deal of respect for and tonight's show displays why. Godspeed You! Black Emperor have been kicking along for just over two decades, even longer than their Scottish counterparts, and almost have as much zeal too.

The band take to the stage drenched in a hue-y red light and kick off proceedings with 'Hope Drone', a long drawn out scrawl of music as strings are bent, plucked and warped to create an intense and uncomfortable atmosphere whilst flickering visuals in the back with the word 'Hope' sketched in the background begin what is almost an otherworldly musical experience.

They then slip effortlessly into one of the sprawling epics that is the trademark of a band who like their tunes to hit the 20 minute mark. 'Behemoth' is very much a case of does what it says on the tin, a long meticulous beast that ponders and waits building to a crescendo through a multitude of musical guises ranging from classical to brute force metal.

'Moya' builds upon languid strings that sees the band at their most calm and even the climax isn't as forceful as they are known for. This is almost GY!BE's musical song of reflection, a time to bask in the wonders of their despairing yet rewarding noise. It serves a purpose as the midway point of the set setting up a finale that shudders through the building and reverberates in everyone in attendance.

'The Sad Maifoso' sees guitars gently plucked, strings eeking in the background, before the bass and drums rebel and they altogether go up a notch to create a mind-fucking death groan. As a musical experience it stands out there on its own. So intense it's hard to love, but impossible not to appreciate. Not so much a gig as a sensory experience, one in which you'd do well to be able to last the distance. Godspeed You! Crazy cats!