By my reckoning it would seem most people who attend Modest Mouse concerts these days only own their latest two albums. This was fairly evident at their show at Luna Park's Big Top last night. The loudest cheers were definitely for their most recent tunes. But I am OK with this. Bands change, their demographics change, times change. And isn't it better that a band as great as Modest Mouse is gaining more fans and playing to larger audiences? The good news, despite my reservations about the night, is that Modest Mouse are still a powerful, awe inspiring live act. Thanks to one man. The man. Our man. Isaac Brock. He is a singular figure. Combustible and tempestuous. Intense and swaggering. Touched by greatness. A chronicler of our times. If you doubt me, then just delve into the back catalogue. Then you will testify. Testify.

Modest Mouse are important to me. Important to me because they matter. They matter because their songs convey the grit and determination of life. The pulse and the heart. And seriously, their songs are just so damn catchy. Last year they played at the Enmore Theatre, on their first ever trip to Australia. I did enjoy that night, but for some reason it never soared. I think it was because they played a lot of material that was yet to be released. Songs that would appear on their 2007 release "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank". Honestly, those new songs weren't grabbing me at the time. Plus, I was secretly hoping for a slew of older material. Which never arrived. So, this time around, I was more realistic. I would be happy with whatever was presented before me. I was determined to have a good time. Which I did. To my surprise, the songs off their latest release sounded better this time around. I really liked "Education" and "Fly Trapped In A Jar" and I even enjoyed "Dashboard", which I have never grown to love. But there was so much more to this show last night. "Bury Me With It" opened and I was immediately on an euphoric high. Then five songs in they played "Doin' The Cockroach". I nearly went into shock. I had heard that this classic song was an addition to recent shows, but I still didn't expect to hear a track from my favourite Modest Mouse album "The Lonesome Crowded West". The powerful middle section of this song is just intoxicating. But then, there was more. I loved "Satin In A Coffin", one of a couple of songs where Isaac sported the banjo. "Float On" was obviously a massive crowd pleaser. My enjoyment though was ruined by a pack of large idiots who decided it was time to crash the crowd and stand right on top of me. Going into the night I was actually a little worried about the venue and the crowd. Surprisingly, I quite liked the venue. The sight lines were good and the sound and lighting very good. On the whole the audience was quite good too. Respectful of each other's space and generally enjoying the show. But in a large crowd, there are always a few who spoil things for the many, having zero idea of personal space. But then a blistering, incendiary performance of "Tiny Cities Made Of Ashes" made me refocus on the music. Probably the highlight of the night. Well, until the encore, which I think I might have scripted. "Black Cadillacs" was a nice starter, but I was nearly apoplectic when the band played "Broke". My favorite Modest Mouse song, ever. Totally unexpected. Totally perfect. Then "Spitting Venom" closed. All ten minutes or so of fury and power. Bliss.

A night that began with reservations became a night of unreserved joy. A night of smiling and dancing. A night of power and passion. The band were tight and totally in form. I am still not sure why they need two drummers and I know Johnny Marr is reaching legendary status, but I still believe that Isaac Brock could handle all the guitar by himself. And maybe, just maybe, a return to a stripped back three piece would give the songs a little more breathing space. But it was a night to remember. Thanks to Isaac Brock. The man is intense. Barely saying a word, he is all business. Nowadays fully bearded, he seemed less angry then at last year's show. Although he still sometimes had a manic stare, he seemed dynamic and edgy, rather then just plain angry. An hour and a half of fun. Of believing again. Of knowing the live experience sometimes just can not be beaten. Ever.

Set List
Bury Me With It
Paper Thin Walls
Dashboard
King Rat
Doin' The Cockroach
Here It Comes
Fire It Up
We've Got Everything
Satin In A Coffin
Education
Float On
Tiny Cities Made Of Ashes
Fly Trapped In A Jar
The View

Black Cadillacs
Broke
Spitting Venom

I have some photos at my Flickr.