Modest Mouse

February 10, 2001 show review by Chris con Carne with photos by Django Bohren

I run the risk of raining eternal damnation upon myself for these words. Legions of loyal fans who shamelessly collect every scrap of information will no doubt read this and hunt me down. Bring it on, junior.

It might be apparent that I'm not as in to Modest Mouse as the rest of the world. Regardless of this fact, the new album rocked me and I was stoked that they were to play the Mt. Baker Theatre in Bellingham. It was an all ages show (Modest Mouse likes 'em young) so pre-show fortification was a must. With flask and woman in tow I got in line early for good seats.

Checking out my fellow concert goers provided several insights: These guys are really popular, young males have an aversion to jackets, young females have an aversion to socks, eight ounces of bourbon ain't enough for a cold hour on the side walk.

Once the doors opened it felt like I was at a Beatles show, the enthusiasim was stifling. Good seating acquired I adjourned to the bar across the street with my lady friend for two of the fastest drinks in my life. We returned to see the first band, Focus North, already in action.

Their gig is drum and bass. While it was neato to see a drummer play like that live, that type of music holds my attention for about ten minutes. Couple that with intense bass lines pounding a freshly filled bladder and you get one impatient Joe.

Relief came on all fronts and I was back to see Modest Mouse take the stage. These boys are so cute in that greasy indie rocker way, no wonder they're revered like golden calfs. Isaac is the poster boy for the positve interactions between drugs and music, finally something I can relate to. It was a genuine pleasure to watch that guy howl to the point of neck vein poppin'. I always apprecioate things done with soul. Another high point was when he screamed through the pick-ups of his guitar.

Don't look for song specifics or wardrobe details, I could give two shits for each. No matter what any ex-girlfriend of mine has said, an excess of alchol DOES give you staying power, and MM proved it by playing for over two hours and at least a six pack each.

The kids loved it and I can see why. If I was 14,15,16 I would be on these guys like flys on shit, but I ain't. Personally, watching the band smoke and drink with impunity, secure in the knowledge that I could not due to the beautiful, though formal setting of the Mt. Baker Theatre, lent a distracting air to the evening. Maybe my priorities are a bit skewed, but I'll leave Modest Mouse for the kids who love them so continue my hunt for that damned funnel to fill my flask