Isaac Brock is an angry man! Fierce. Obstinate. Passionate. Sometimes even boorish. He fronts a band named Modest Mouse. Perhaps you have heard of them, they are pretty good. Strike that, they are great. Awesome even. Monday night they played the Enmore Theatre. Their third visit to Sydney. I hope they keep coming back. They tore the place apart in a ferocious, if somewhat short, set. Isaac Brock had the banjo in hand for the first song, "Satin In A Coffin" and it fairly tore a hole in the roof. Great start to a great show.

The highlight probably came however with the arrival of the second song. "The View" was fifty different types of bouncing melody. Smiles everywhere. Then "Dramamine" slew us. This classic number from the first album was extended into a heavy 10 minute jam. They did the same with "I Came As a Rat", both songs showing off the heavy stylings of the band. Which were very fine. Two drummers were explosive and intense, whilst the guitar work was exemplary. It was the first time Australia has seen Jim Fairchild, ex Grandaddy, since he replaced Johnny Marr and Jamey Robinson (Man Man) was filling in on bass for Eric Judy. I believe Eric wasn't on tour because he wanted to spend more time with his son. Of course the main axe wielder is Mr Brock. His signature riffs are played with ferocity and intent, ringing through the venue. This was ably demonstrated on monster songs like "King Rat" and "The Whale Song". He can also display a gentler side on songs like "Blame It On the Tetons" and the encore opener "Bukowski". Brock is a magnetic stage presence. He goes from angry to happy in the blink of an eye. Maniacally staring into space and sucking on cigarettes are all part of his night. He didn't say much, well except for a ten minute monologue on his phobia of water disappearing and crummy summers in Portland and the lowlife (his words) that inhabit his local park. But he doesn't have to. He just needs to bring the songs. The songs have bewildered and assaulted us for over a decade.

Set List
Satin In A Coffin
The View
Dramamine
Dashboard
Fire It Up
I Came As A Rat
Paper Thin Walls
Blame It On The Tetons
Dance Hall
King Rat
Gravity Rides Everything
Poison The Well
Float On

Bukowski
The Whale Song
Wild Packs Of Family Dogs