Mogwai – If The Stars Had A Sound: Sydney Premiere

Following its World Premiere at SXSW in Texas earlier this year, director Antony Crook’s documentary about Scotland’s most beloved post-rock group Mogwai now comes to Sydney.

Using brute sonic force mixed with subtlety and grace, Mogwai have built a cult global following on the back of a quarter of a century of incredible (and loud!) live shows, plus 10 albums, numerous soundtracks, collaborations and an independent, forward-thinking spirit.

As this cinematic career-spanning documentary attests, their emotive, sprawling, epic instrumentals and genre-defying experimentalism gets so under the skin of followers, that it often provides the supportive soundtrack for significant or life-changing events.

Documenting their career from forming in Glasgow in 1995 through to the recording of their tenth studio LP during Covid lockdowns, the film highlights how a band can top the album charts with modesty, little regard for commercial fads and remaining firmly true to their roots. Eschewing the usual band interviews and the effusive, sycophantic talking heads found in many music docs, If The Stars Had A Sound is instead full of the band’s music, studio sessions and concert performances alongside moody footage of Scotland.

That said, there are still anecdotes and theories (some funny, some moving) told by everyone from lifelong fans, to record producers Arthur Baker and Tony Doogan or visual artist Douglas Gordon, to DJ/music journalist Mary Ann Hobbs and musicians Paul Savage (The Delgados) and Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand).

"…The documentary presents a beautiful picture of community surrounding [Mogwai] – and isn’t community what music is meant to create?" – Austin Chronicle

“…A vivid account of a band that has transcended cult status to become a genuine [Scottish] treasure.” – Dirty Movies

“Cloaked in a feeling somewhere in between serenity and unease.” – Rolling Stone

“Documents their rise from underground insurgents to a cult institution of post-rock.” – Pitchfork