“This fits like clothes made out of wasps!” is poetry. As he ages, Isaac Brock is finally stabilizing and steering his career to its place in the American rock lexicon. He has settled on a style for this phase of his career. The weathered-looking packaging features a simple graphic of a hot air balloon with an anchor as the basket. It is titled We Were Dead before the Ship Even Sank and it is rich with the same poetics and forthright nature as the previous Modest Mouse album. This turn-of-the-century theme is pleasant and lends a sort of sarcasm to his stark honesty. The music is downright Irish at points and then soaked in a thin layer of Eastern European retro rock. It reminds me of Good News for People Who Love Bad News in two ways: I eagerly anticipated its release and I wasn’t disappointed when I listened to it. There are not many CDs I run to the store to purchase the day it comes out, but this one is worth it.
Isaac Brock is showing the depth of his musicianship on We Were Dead…, and he sounds more confident here than he ever has. His gospel-and-spit style of singing right at you is still intact and executed deftly. This album exquisitely establishes some sounds and rhythms that are distinctly his own to use over and over, without making the album feel at all like a replica of prior releases. From the whistle of that guitar bend to the choppy rhythms, this is Modest Mouse in full affect. The phrase “indie rock” is so inadequate for describing any kind of band, that a friend of mine describes certain bands as “having the stomp.” Modest Mouse certainly has the stomp.
When I met Isaac Brock, back when he lived in Gainesville, he was arrogant and high, and that showed in his music at the time, but since making the move to Sony, Isaac’s albums display maturity and growth, without losing his unique take and vigor. Speaking of Florida – Isaac hasn’t forgotten about his time here with us. In fact the song ‘Florida’ is a little too accurate in its tone and verbage.
The Smith’s legendary guitarist Johnny Marr is a perfect fit. In ‘Florida’ Johnny brings the 80s to Isaac a little too much, but in return Isaac ushers Johnny’s syncopated guitar stylings into Modest Mouse’s knack for staggered and emotive rhythms. Johnny’s ratcheted riffing is a brilliant complement to Isaac’s string-slurring and slop-solos. Jeremiah’s disco-running-with-a-limp beats stagger, stop and pounce throughout this twisting and angst-ridden song. Even bassist, Eric Judy (who is the second nicest dude ever), gets up on Johnny’s 80s kick in a couple of the songs.
They are always innovating, so even though they have a definitive sound, it never gets tired. As with every new Modest Mouse album, and even the Ugly Casanova release, Isaac and friends never fail to release their best album yet.
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