Modest Mouse: An Eraser And A Maze album review – Finding new paths
Five years after their last album, and following a period of upheaval, the Oregonian band returns with an inventive record
Oregon oracles Modest Mouse return with their first album in five years following a period of personal and personnel upheaval dominated by the passing of drumming mainstay Jeremiah Green in 2022. Along with frontman Isaac Brock, he was the longest-serving band member and following his death it’s all change, with new guitarist Simon O’Connor, drummer Damon Cox and keyboard player Keith Karman appearing on their first Modest Mouse release.
Thirty years into their lifespan, An Eraser And A Maze is a pretty good introduction to the band for any new, inquiring Mousers. It captures the eclecticism of their career in under 50 minutes, from the Arcade Fire-style exultation of opener ‘Picking Dragon’s Pockets’ via the rhythmic brawn and gothic guitar wrangling of ‘Rotten Fruit’ to the fidgety electro-rock mantra ‘Song About Nothing’. At times, the album feels like it’s been sequenced for maximum dynamic impact. ‘Dogbed In Heaven’ is a back-porch bluegrass lament followed by a twinkling instrumental interlude and then the foreboding throbbing beat of ‘I Can’t Talk Right Now’.
All that really matters though is whether the band can deliver more of their classic tuneage. ‘Speak ’N Spell (Or Not)’ features a rousing, rising chorus and ‘Third Side Of The Moon’ keeps it lean and raspy, with shades of Joe Strummer in Brock’s delivery as the song builds to a heavier, more rugged conclusion. But ‘Absolutely Necessary Never’ is the banger, driven by an arresting synth pop melody before bowing out on a compelling rumbling bassline.
Modest Mouse: An Eraser And A Maze is released by Glacial Pace Recordings/Virgin on Friday 5 June.