Mogwai

In certain circles, Mogwai's proper 1997 debut was damn near earth-shattering. A primarily instrumental affair, it features a group wielding guitars like broadswords -- precise and powerful. Having set out to be "the loudest band on earth," they achieve just that, at least in some moments, such as the scorching conclusion of "Yes! I Am a Long Way from Home" and the grandiose live staple "Mogwai Fear Satan." But they also establish their knack for quite numbers; "R U Still In 2 It" is a heartbreaker. Less polished than future albums, Young Team is delightfully sprawling, tinged with a beguiling naivete.