![Modest Mouse WE WERE DEAD BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SANK [Records & LPs]](http://apocalypsevinyl.com/cdn/shop/files/Modest-Mouse-WE-WERE-DEAD-BEFORE-THE-SHIP-EVEN-SANK_g027t.jpg?v=1725433132&width=1000)
Modest Mouse WE WERE DEAD BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SANK [Records & LPs]
Barcode: 828768613917
Though the album title sounds like it was borrowed from the avant-weirdos Liars, WE WERE DEAD BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SANK finds quintessential indie-rockers Modest Mouse charting a course down the stylistic middle. They retain enough of their trademark quirkiness to keep longtime fans from feeling alienated, but they simultaneously put popwise songcraft to the fore. The dance-rock of "Dashboard" sounds like it could be a Killers outtake, and several tracks find the band engaging in the kind of post-Pavement mid-fi style that first endeared them to the slacker masses.
Isaac Brock sounds properly unhinged on "Florida," "Invisible," and "Steam Engenius," as the band pushes into overdrive, but there's also a brace of low-key, acoustic-based tunes that provide a perfect contrast. The Mouse is bolstered by some high-powered guests as well: Smiths guitar legend Johnny Marr adds a bit of six-string support, and Shins singer James Mercer contributes some backing vocals. Nevertheless, the fraying-but-fierce group dynamic that's always been at the heart of the MM sound prevails throughout.
- Released: 3/20/2007
- Format: Vinyl
- Genre: Rock
