Mogwai is by no means a commercial band. The instrumental quintet is accustomed to dwindling record sales and performing on small stages. Their epic post-rock sound is worshipped by many but conversely, one that few labels are willing to risk signing. Playing on the Curiousa tour this past summer may be the closest the band will ever come to mainstream success. These circumstances only make their latest release, Government Commissions BBC Sessions 1996-2003, more of a mystery. While Mogwai delivers another sound album, these live BBC sessions are unnecessary.

Many bands have released similar sessions with BBC music and the late infamous radio DJ, John Peel. Usually only die-hard fans and collectors want these recordings; Mogwai fans will likely continue this trend. With no new or unreleased material, the songs on the BBC sessions simply contain live Mogwai.

Yet Commissions is a great addition to any fan’s collection. It shows the group in their purest and most pristine state — Mogwai made a name for themselves with unadulterated feedback and unbearably loud live shows like these. In later years, Mogwai’s records mellowed; presumably, their live shows have followed suit. Luckily, these tracks date back to the group’s hayday — sometime around their first release, Young Team.

Mogwai is often considered more of a jam group in the studio rather than craftsmen due to their grandiose songs with lengthy runtimes. Commissions tops their studio antics with more experimentation. “Like Herod” is seven minutes longer than its original studio recording on Young Team. “New Paths to Helicon Pt. I” and “New Paths to Helicon Pt. II” are meandering adaptations of previous versions on Ten Rapid.

Long guitar drones and compounding feedback account for these elongated runtimes. On similar bands’ studio recordings, there is similar enveloping sonic destruction. More experimentation is found in the original arrangements. With the ability to improvise and contribute new sounds, many of the songs retain their original feel, but blossom with added guitar glitches and instrument ticks.

Government Commissions does justice to Mogwai’s gargantuan sound and unstoppable live presence. Even with the ear-shattering guitar riffs and squeals, the group sounds clear and tight. Mogwai’s live performances made them a noteworthy underground band that continues to impress fans and newcomers nearly 12 years later.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars