 "Photo: Dylan Schafer | Daily Trojan")
A high degree of talent and vision is necessary to derive a sound close to backwater folk music and warp it into something worthy of indie greatness. Doing just this, Modest Mouse has revealed their artistic prowess in their vanguard, now renowned, style.
Versatile vocals, pushed to the edge of discord that are so bad they're good, create ramblings of life observations and interpretations spanning the spectrum of ironic wit. These notable lyrics are elevated by signature country twangs, interrupted by abrupt explosions of unabashed sound spawned from an unconventional use of instruments and sounds.
Impressive is their ability to fuse a banjo, an upright bass and bongos with shameless ranting to create rock songs set apart.
Modest Mouse's distinction has finally been recognized in the last year. Their album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, prompted their mainstream debut, earning them recognition by fans and critics alike, and is now nominated for two Grammys for best rock song ("Float On") and best alternative album.
Despite shocking the indie underground by their mainstream avenue, signing with Sony in 2000 and even having their song "Gravity Rides Everything" featured in a Nissan car commercial, on the whole their crossing-over has been well received by original fans and a slew of latest admirers, making for a broadened fan base.
Old and new supporters alike came out for Modest Mouse's Monday night performance, the first of a three-night line up at The Wiltern LG. Vocalist/guitarist Isaac Brock opened, "What do we have planned for tonight? We've got some song playing ... that's pretty much it."
Unfortunately, Brock's intro was a glimpse of unintentional honesty. All their performance had to offer was a satisfying set list of which, even then, most songs were not executed up to par.
They played most of their recognizable material, including their breakthrough single, "Float On," inciting relentless screams and provoking a sing-along from the crowd.
Although generally well received by their adoring fans, the show was not one for the undedicated Modest Mousecateer.
In an unfortunate addition, there was nothing particularly spectacular about their stage presence or audience connection. By no means were Modest Mouse members lacking in energy, as Brock furiously banged his fists on a keyboard and barked lines into the microphone, but perhaps the fervor was just misplaced.
For the caliber of music they make and what has become expected of them with their unprecedented sound, their live concert fell short.
Chaotic sound layers that seem to meld beautifully on their album many times came out as muddled, incomprehensive noise when played live.
Overall, Modest Mouses's performance lacked their normal disorganized allure - instead, it featured all of the disorganization minus the charm.
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Modest Mouse will be playing their final of three shows 8 p.m. tonight at The Wiltern LG, located at 3790 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Tickets are $23.50. The supporting acts are "Love As Laughter" and Cass McCombs. For more information, call (213) 388-1400 or visit www.thewiltern.com.
