Not many of you will end up doing this, but if you to and fro between occasionally playing Mogwai’s Earth Division EP, whilst spending the odd evening watching Martin McDonagh’s excellent film, ‘In Bruges’, because it never grows tiresome, the soundtrack of said film and the opening track on the Scots’ four-track showcase will merge into one, breathtaking, haunting classical piece. ‘Get to France’ has almost the exact tone and emotional pulse as classical ‘Schubert: 24. Der Leiermann ‘ and you begin to wonder whether the former is directly, purposely associated with the latter.

Truth of the matter is, Mogwai are merely using this EP to untie loose ends and to demonstrate the wealth of ideas floating about in the sessions that ended up producing this year’s Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will record. Released in the frosty, early weeks of the year, it marked a slight resurgence for a band who might have previously been lumbered as past-their-prime. Earth Division’s outstanding moment comes at the very beginning, brilliantly re-affirming the continued potential for this band to expand. Though each song is far from connected to another, and though the small collection is notably scattered, similar moments crop up in ‘Hound of Winter”s dramatic string section, whilst ‘Does This Always Happen?’ would have slotted in perfectly with the associated album.

‘Drunk and Crazy’ is a fortunate omission from Hardcore…, however. Its solid, abrasive bass line is too forced, its accompanying string section scruffily entering towards the end, and the whole piece hints at a band trying desperately to remain purposeful and forward-thinking. Truth is, Mogwai achieved just that in what is shaping to be one of the more underrated albums of the past 12 months. The group ought to be more proud of that record than any of their previous efforts over the last few years and Earth Division seems to suggest that they are indeed delighted with it and its quiet, enthusiastic reception to boot. This EP sews up an exciting, unexpected chapter in the band’s career. With so many options to choose from, the next step will be anything but dull.