When Modest Mouse took the stage at Denver’s Mission Ballroom on Oct. 1, the crowd reflected the band’s multigenerational reach. Whether it was kids in their dad’s old band tees or the dads themselves, the 4,000 fans packed into Mission shared little in common beyond excitement for the set ahead.
Most people know Modest Mouse for their 2004 hit “Float On.” The Grammy-winning song was also my first introduction to the band. Back in high school, it was a staple on my “long drive” playlist. My best friend and I would cruise the backroads of Maine in my rusted Volvo, windows down, singing along at full volume.
That was just the beginning. Since then, I’ve become an avid listener, still blasting their songs, in a newer, though still rusting, Subaru as I drive through Colorado.
Even after years of listening, I can say with certainty that hearing Modest Mouse live was a completely surreal experience, as I had the voices of a packed venue singing along with me.
The night began with openers Built to Spill. Doug Martsch, guitarist and vocalist for the band, led the trio with a powerful performance on guitar. Formed in 1992, Built to Spill has seen many different members over the years, with only Martsch remaining since the start.
Martsch is joined by Melanei Radford on bass and Teresa Esguerra on drums. The group delivered an electric performance that filled the venue far beyond what their three-person setup might suggest. Their heavy, driving sound perfectly prepared the audience for what was to follow.
Modest Mouse began their 90-minute set with “3rd planet.” Lead singer and guitarist Isaac Brock delivered on all fronts with raw emotion that captivated the audience. Their set continued to weave together the different eras and emotions from the band’s discography.
“Truckers Atlas” was especially a fan favorite, as Brock belted out the distinct first lyrics, “I’m going to Colorado / to unload my head.”
The lyrics spoke to the Colorado crowd and the out-of-state fans who made lofty drives to the venue.
The band played songs depicting a range of emotions, with the crowd’s movements mirroring them, anywhere from subtle head nods to a full out mosh pits.
A mosh pit ended the show, and caused the group to retreat to the back of the stage. However even as the beams of the lights faded to black the crowd was still cheering for more, a request that would soon be fulfilled by the band.
Members ran back onto the stage, closing the night out with three final songs.
Leaving the venue, I realized that seeing Modest Mouse live was more than just hearing the songs I’ve grown up with. It was about standing with people who had been listening along with me all these years, and seeing the band that’s remained a constant thread connecting so many lives.
