Modest Mouse, a nearly two-decade old indie rock band highly criticized for their atheist lyrical themes, released their fifth album, No One’s First and You’re Next, on August 4, 2009. While the band shifts their usual hard rock style to a more ambient, chill tune, they deliver exactly what their fans expect of them: a thought-provoking compilation of songs approaching mysterious life topics, from relationships to death.
Though initially biased in my innate love for the band and what they represent, I approached new Modest Mouse with an objective first listen, for I had not been in favor of the album’s single, “Autumn Beds,” which was previously released. “Autumn Beds” left me bored after a few listens, mostly because of the lack of lyrics and the song’s hierarchy of need for the overpowering musicality. The rest of the album, however, was much more striking in terms of interest.
The album’s title is the first thing that led me to think it was worthy of giving a listen. Though most bands’ fans would love to listen to their favorites’ new albums, No One’s First and You’re Next meant something deeper to me. Unaware of the band’s intentions in this title, I believe it is used to represent all things in life that we initially fear, but we know we must do. Tasks without examples, without someone else going first and leading, are usually the most difficult, but also the most worthwhile and rewarding.
My favorite part of Modest Mouse’s music, as with many bands, is the lyrics. This album is no exception. The band’s singer and lyricist, Isaac Brock, leads an interesting interrogative imagery in songs such as “Guilty Cocker Spaniels” and “Satellite Skin.” “Do you even believe that there’s a race to be won?” seems to nail the inner sense of competition that everyone strives to overcome but still embraces in their lives.
Article comments
1 - Lynnie
Nice review. I agree great EP