Modest Mouse: "This is a long drive for someone with nothing to think about" I can't even begin to tell you how hard this is for me to listen to without having a cigarette (don't ask). Out on up records in Washington, this trio is very, very difficult to explain. On a good day. Musically these guys are genius. period. perfect. The voice, care of Isaac, is a bit to stomach. Crayon rings like mad in the back of my mind. It's scratchy, unrehearsed, but genuine. That, coupled with lyrics like "when I can work out how it was/ then I'll tell you/ TV stains my memories/ yeah . . .I don't think it shows" reveals them as harsh realists with biting music.
--Michael Knight