So the start of a busy month for indie gigs kicked off at Moonstar Studio with Glaswegian post rockers Mogwai and they didn’t disappoint. In a wonderfully atmospheric set the band treated a packed crowd of hipsters and leading lights from the indie music scene to a stellar performance that managed to retain all the angst, intensity and emotion of their epic instrumentals.  

Sure there were some hiccups, once again the organizers of a music event failed to predict a gig-going crowds thirst for beer and the entrance through one tiny door was a potential nightmare but at least they got the big things right. The gig started bang on time, the space was just the right size and most importantly (and despite some technical difficulties with a blown amp midway through) the sound was excellent. 

It meant that, for once, the visiting artists could really show us what they could do and Mogwai certainly stepped up to the plate. It’s hard to imagine a bunch of middle aged Scotsmen with guitars being able to generate such raw emotion, but these guys are clearly masters of their art. With minimal banter they let their dreamy, big sky soundscapes do the talking, led by the wonderfully impassioned playing of lead guitarist Stuart Braithwaite. It was never going to be a gig to get the crowd jumping but Mogwai ensured they took everyone floating along with them on a wonderful wave of reverb-induced sound.

More importantly they left us with a wonderful feeling of optimism. There’s clearly a demand for gigs like this in Bangkok, and maybe, just maybe, this is part of a new dawn for more experimental and cutting edge performers gracing our city.

In the meantime we have Ladytron to look forward to on Wednesday night though do note that the gig has shifted from Moonstar to LED at RCA.