Modest Mouse @ ABC, 10 Dec

 

Modest Mouse may enter to the sound of World War II air sirens whilst spotlights swoop the sold out ABC, but the precision deployment of their opening run of songs suggests they're using artillery of the modern warfare variety. Ostensibly touring recent ‘off-cut’ mini-album No One’s First and You’re Next, its highlight The Whale Song makes for an astounding opener, not least because the mixing is so pin-sharp despite the walls of guitar and use of two percussionists throughout. Later though, the set-list lets them down. A mid-set stretch including the weak-ass Fire It Up feels crushing after the first twenty minutes witnessed, whilst crowd-pleaser Float On seems placed for maximum ‘contractual obligation’ effectiveness. Old favourite Doin’ The Cockroach ignites things once again and the encore of Shit Luck, delivered like a shotgun to the face, and Dramamine are as fantastic as they are unexpected. It’s just a pity they didn’t arrive sooner. [Darren Carle]