Modest Mouse takes us through their sonic exploration at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Amphitheatre with the Districts

Dim the lights, introduce dub static, and enter Modest Mouse front man, Isaac Brock, in an orange jumpsuit. His strut to center stage was whole new art of a runway catwalk.

While the band is currently on tour honoring their latest album Golden Casket, they kicked-off with a classic – “The World at Large”. Following the intro, they entered the realm of recent sound, which nods to the band’s breezy melodies with injections of raucous sonic exploration.

If you were ever wondered what artists think about as they perform their songs, Isaac Brock’s confessions might be the banter you’ve been waiting for. Open Air Amphitheater has cascading stairs with the bar seated at the top. Wrapping up “We’re Lucky’” Brock went right into a spiel, “You will always be thirsty here because the moment you get your drink and walk back down, you gotta walk back up. Up and down, and up and down, and up and down.” He continued saying that we all better be wearing our Apple Watches to track our steps. This rant solidified Brock’s connection with the crowd. He was not only is concerned for the feasibility of our next drink, but also how many steps we’re getting in. Bless him.

Set song of note was “Cowboy Dan”, a tribute to the ‘O.G.’ Modest Mouse listeners. It was played half-way through the night and captivated the amphitheater for the full 7 minutes of its ominous rendition. This performance is worth going to one of their upcoming shows for. Just be sure your bar break does not miss out on this transcending guitar-in-mouth experience.