Modest Mouse, Leeds 02 Academy, July 8th 2015 (LIVE REVIEW)
We
can forgive Modest Mouse's slightly later than billed appearance
tonight inside Leeds' Academy with one glance at the
venue's cluttered stage, prior to their appearance. Eight musicians
to cater for (nine on occasion) needs quite the set up and no more so
than a band who readily switch instruments at will. Our vantage point
from high above the stage on the balcony provides us with the best
possible viewing of such an intriguing hour and a half or so ahead of
us.
The
album gap between the recent 'Strangers To Ourselves' and its
predecessor must have been cause for concern for the die hard MM fans
who finally get chance to enjoy plenty of old tracks with the new.
The hit of 'Lampshades On Fire' provides an early crowd pleasing
moment as inevitably does 'Dashboard' with its fine trumpet and
string arrangement. More so of course for 2004's biggie 'Float On', that ignites the audience vocally for its sing-a-long chorus. A
personal highlight in the form of 'Pistol
(A. Cunanan, Miami, FL. 1996)' with its funky groove and
percussion-heavy stomp
drops mid-set. Every single one of the groups members have their own
space to shine in (albeit a small one) and seem well at ease with one
another. There are a few moments of time-drag here and there between songs, and
main man Isaac Brock's chatter with the crowd is largely inaudible. That said, this bands leader is in fine form...tearing at his
guitars and clearly enjoying his role. At one point, singing and
screeching into his guitar pick up as the instrument rests on his
shoulder.
It's
a well-oiled machine is that of Modest Mouse these days. Personnel
may have undergone some fine tuning over the years but at the core is
a band who are true to themselves and their audience. 'Journey' is
often a terribly misused word and inaccurate for some here today gone
tomorrow musical 'artists' . When a band has gone the distance that
Modest Mouse have, and continue to evolve, inspire and create new
chapters, now that is a journey.
Words - Pete Jackson
Modest Mouse official