Scottish noise-rockers Mogwai have been continually pushed the limits of modern music, beginning in 1997 with “Mogwai Young Team.” Their latest release, “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will,” is their best effort to date.

Featuring the gentle transitions between soft piano melodies and the ear-splitting guitar distortion they’re known for, Mogwai has found the perfect balance.

The band’s dynamic quality really shines on the openers “White Noise” and “Too Raging To Cheers,” where the band transfers from a soft, calm collage of sound to an overly-distorted masterpiece.

The album never bores and keeps the listener actively involved, largely due to Teenage Fanclub and Franz Ferdinand producer Paul Savage’s stellar production.

With songs like “You’re Lionel Ritchie” and “Death Rays,” this is a great first listen for anyone interested in becoming a Mogwai fan. These songs perfectly exemplify Mogwai’s famous use of subtle electronics and heavily distorted instrumentation. The band can switch from a gentle whisper to a loud roar at the flick of a switch, a feat that many bands attempt but don’t succeed at.

Mogwai’s seventh studio album is one of the band’s most experimental and satisfying, and it ranks among the best indie-rock releases of the year.