MODEST MOUSE
The Moon and Antarctica (Epic)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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The Class of 2000's Most Promising Band, Seattle's Modest Mouse had lots of expectations in putting this record out. A lot of arms to unfold. A lot of skeptics to silence. It's unfortunate that the primary gossip they generated was singer/guitarist Isaac Brock's suspicion in a local rape case (it went nowhere). They just signed to Epic Records! Lots to do! Advances to blow! Champagne to spray on each other! Not so fast! This cd stinks. What is up? Monotonous, predictable, and boring, with flat, snoozer vocals that'll find their A&R guy wondering what happened. Me, too. I mean, I've been of the opinion that Modest Mouse are more overrated than they are talented, but this album is even worse than The Lonesome Crowded West, their last, given the dollars that were pumped into it. They even have a web-site called 'Emoland' (how six months ago!). Maybe the majors will learn that Nirvana happens only once in a great while.

© 2000 - Jason Thornberry