Since 1997 debut, Mogwai has often been considered the “punks” of the post-rock crowd. Their music is often intense and shifty but includes a healthy share of arrogance. It’s unfortunate, then, that not much of Mogwai’s recent output is so good.

Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is Mogwai’s awesomely titled and nostalgic seventh album. It’s a deeply visual record that bears many musical similarities to the great Mogwai of yore — sparse vocals, anthemic droning and frightening breakdowns.

This should add up to smashing success. But, unfortunately, what we get is a skeleton of a Mogwai album — a record that, if released under a different name, would garner no attention. It would be called a “a sub-par Mogwai ripoff.”

It’s pleasing to see this band return to their roots, but sadly this is one of Mogwai’s least confident and overall weakest albums yet.

DOWNLOAD: “Mexican Grand Prix”