8/10

Although producing soundtracks was never part of their original plan, Mogwai have been extremely prolific in the scoring world for nearly two decades now. Originally making an impact when they produced the music for the Zinedine Zidane documentary 'Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait' back in 2006, their work within film and TV shows has been met with enormous praise and acclaim in recent years, most notably for the 2018 movie 'Kin'. But now they deliver one of their most high-profile soundtracks to date, their score for the first season of the hit Apple TV series 'Black Bird'.

What has made this soundtrack such an interesting listen is how much of it provides background aesthetics to the finished show. While they usually come to the forefront for montages and other dialogue-less moments on screen, these offerings aim to cement the raw and powerful emotion that the series has been known for, creating this beautifully ethereal work that barely emerges from its shell throughout. The use of dark and brooding textures offer up a humble yet compelling feel and showcases another deep and emotive work from start to finish.

Following on from last year's studio album 'As The Love Continues', their first to top the album charts, Mogwai have found themselves in one of the most demanding phases of their career so far, and have continued to push the boundaries of their sound with the 'Black Bird' OST. It is a bold and vibrant display of ambient tones and aesthetics that really heightens emotion throughout.