Today’s release of the Mojave 3 reissues finally draws a line under that band’s tenure, and it’s a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it’s wonderful that these records are again in print and their existence should draw some attention from Slowdive’s new fans, but it’s also sad because there was a charm and magic in those records that was unique to them.

As I’ve already gone through as much Mojave 3 material as I could muster in recent weeks (but not all, as in the process I found at least one more treat I’ll put out there soon), I’ll use today for a little reissue press roundup and share the band’s last official video for “Breaking The Ice”, the lead single from their final album, 2006’s Puzzles Like You. It would have been nice if, as part of this reissue series, they’d gone and remastered the band’s videos to modern spec – there’s not many of them – but I guess there’s something charming about the blocky, low resolution quality as well.

For further press, First Revival has perhaps the final Mojave 3 interview ever, an extended conversation with Rachel Goswell about the band’s arc and legacy, and confirms we share the same favourite record:

For me, Out of Tune was a real sort of band record. We all played on it, we had the money to kind of go residential at a studio up in Glasgow and do some bits up there. I played a lot of the bass on that record, which I didn’t do on any of the others. It’s just more of a band vibe, and we had Tony Doogan producing, therefore, for me, it was a lot more fun. So that’s kind of my favourite.

Rachel Goswell, Mojave 3
An Interview With Mojave 3 @ First Revival

And I also found this conversation at Words On Tape with drummer Ian McCutcheon from 2024. It covers a lot of ground, including how he joined Slowdive in their late days, carried through Mojave 3 and almost returned to Slowdive for the reunion:

I was initially asked to be involved and got as far as the gigs coming in and set lists beginning to be discussed. Next thing I knew, I wasn’t. As you can imagine, it was not a great time for me. That being said, I understand why. Simon’s much more the mainstay drummer for them. He’s an amazing drummer and it just works with him there.

Ian McCutcheon, Mojave 3/Slowdive
Remembering The View: Ian McCutcheon @ Words On Tape

And finally, The Big Takeover has individual reviews of each Mojave 3 album reissue, taking the time to properly put into words how and why the band was so wonderful, as well as a reminder of why written record reviews are so essential. They paint a goddamn picture.

Mojave 3 / Ask Me Tomorrow @ The Big Takeover
Mojave 3 / Out Of Tune @ The Big Takeover
Mojave 3 / Excuses For Travellers @ The Big Takeover
Mojave 3 / Spoon & Rafter @ The Big Takeover
Mojave 3 / Puzzles Like You @ The Big Takeover