By Vince Termini
Perhaps the first great surprise of what promises to be a great year for new releases, Modest Mouse return with their most accessible and cohesive album yet. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank features new band member, guitarist Johnny Marr (formerly of the Smiths), who undoubtedly makes his mark, adding an epic quality to these songs that Modest Mouse has always seemed to be missing.
We Were Dead kicks off with “March Into the Sea,” which begins with a nautical organ before letting loose. This maritime theme is present on many songs and is referenced in the record’s title. Singer Isaac Brock oddly described the album as a “nautical balalaika (a Russian three-stringed guitar-like instrument) carnival romp.” Following the rambunctious opener is the albums lead single “Dashboard,” which is the first of the more danceable songs scattered throughout the record. Singer James Mercer of the Shins is featured on two songs, “Florida” and “We’ve Got Everything” and contributes extremely catchy backup vocals.
The albums takes yet another turn later on, this time in Marr’s direction with some harder grooves on tracks like “Education” and “Steam Engenius.” The albums sole ballad, “Little Motel” is beautifully executed thanks to Brock’s unusually hushed vocals. Overall, the album is quite accessible as a whole and manages to keep its momentum throughout. It is yet to be seen how long-time fans will react, but speaking as one of them myself this record stands to be one of their best.
4 STARS
