Modest Mouse have established themselves as royalty in the realm of indie rock. Within their eight year hiatus, they have crafted an album that is indicative of their almost 20-year history of historic anthems and hard-hitting melodies.
“Strangers to Ourselves” is fresh and flows surprisingly well, offering a mature look into the band while maintaining their unique sound that has popularized them since “This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About.”
‘Strangers to Ourselves’ was released on March 17th
Lead Singer Isaac Brock showcases no aging with his voice and still hollers and chants in such a chaotically delightful manner. In “Lampshades On Fire,” Brock catches us off guard in the first verse as he exclaims, “Well, the lampshade’s on fire when the lights go out / The room lit up and we ran about / Well, this is what I really call a party now / Packed up our cars, moved to the next town.” The lyrics in “Strangers to Ourselves” as a whole are still as catchy as ever and offer a retrospective look at the band’s career, especially with the departure of bassist Eric Judy.
“The Ground Walks, With Time in a Box” proves to be the most audibly aesthetic piece off the new album, which boasts an excellent, steady drumbeat that is complemented with a rhythm-driven guitar from Jim Fairchild, a grooving bass line from Russell Higbee and Brock’s expressive vocals. The song also treats the listener to a surprising percussive ending that proves to be a melodic outro.
Also notable in the album is ”Wicked Campaign,” which screams indie pop and carries itself through the ingenious use of a synthesizer.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the plethora of material that Modest Mouse have thrown at us.
But, at times, it feels excessive considering the album clocks in at roughly an hour. Songs such as “Coyotes” and “Be Brave” fall into the same progressions as songs earlier in the album, deeming them to almost be unnecessary.
While the album is filled with so much potential, it becomes lost in the comprehensive vision that Brock and drummer, Jeremiah Green, have established.
“Strangers to Ourselves” is the perfect title for this album because it has allowed for Modest Mouse to explore and experiment with their sound more than ever while retaining the central core of their sound.
The theme rings through every piece of music in the album and offers a distinctive glance at the band.
Looking back, “Strangers to Ourselves” was well worth the wait and offers a glimpse at the future of Modest Mouse.
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