Yet more good news for people who love good music!
After a somewhat turbulent late start to the evening, I found myself thinking I was in no position to listen to the catchy, upbeat, swirling melodies belonging to Modest Mouse. Despite some sound problems, the Mice rock to the very best of their abilities. Previously I thought their upbeat-yet-somehow-still-dark music was one of those things to enjoy with a pint and your mates but yet again they prove to be far, far more than just a beer band. Isaac Brock’s twisted sense of humour shines through their wildly eccentric music easily and gives everyone assembled in the Astoria on this rainy Thursday night something to celebrate.
Maybe that is why Modest Mouse are such hot stuff right now. They’re at the top of their league and whilst some fans have spoken in hushed tones about their new material from the album Good News For People Who Love Bad News being a little too different for their liking, when the material is played live such pathetic protests are hushed. Brock and his cohorts know what they’re up to. They are so focussed on a good set their eyes appear glazed- simply adding to the madman-on-coke look Brock wears. Their set runs slightly differently from their opening set for Bright Eyes in June- whilst before they relied on their older material in the run up to their new albums release, now their UK fans have been exposed to delights such as the evil god-baiting ‘Bukowski’ and the soaring ‘The World At Large’(both of which are deliciously emotive when played live), they are free to compose a set that shows off their very best musical moments and kicks a whole lot of ass at the same time.
‘Black Cadillacs’ makes an early appearance with its bouncy upbeat growls and hypnotic chorus and the bar has been raised, but Modest Mouse are easily capable of clearing it with the slowed down, souped-up version of ‘This Devils Workday’ which is a blinding snarl of viciously black thoughts that sounds almost nothing like the album version. Deeper, darker and with vocals that display far more melody, this has to be one of the highlights of the evening. The crowd loves it almost as much as the exuberant rendition of ‘Float On’ which leaves the Astoria reeling from its powerful sway. Overall, a fantastic night for both those on the stage and those assembled below and certainly another gold star for the Modest Mouse boys who yet again prove that they have much to offer the UK.