After a lengthy hiatus Modest Mouse has returned with an interesting record. This is sort of a hybrid of the loud and angry "Lonesome Crowded West" and the poppier, psychedelic tone of "The Moon and Antarctica." Isaac Brock's vocals are still weird and occasionally grating, but he seems to have mastered his unique speak/sing delivery, particularly on the tunes that are sung rather than screamed. In fact, the best songs here are the most conventional sounding, which is not a bad thing. "Bury Me With It" and "Dance Hall" sound like outtakes from an earlier Modest Mouse record, and are not nearly as strong as some of the more contemplative, restrained tracks. This is not to say that these songs don't rock; "Ocean Breathes Salty" and "Black Cadillacs" will be instant favourites for fans, featuring the unique groove laden guitar work and bizarre lyrics this band has become famous for. "Bukowski" shows the growth of Brock as a lyricist- he acknowledges that revered American poet Charles Bukowski is "a pretty good read," but wonders "who would want to be such an asshole?" This album also contains the sublime single "Float On," which is without a doubt the best song this band has ever released. The hopeful, beautifully sad chorus will ring in your ears for days, and proves that Brock is a songwriter of the first order. We can only hope that Modest Mouse will continue on their quest to write the greatest American record to listen to on a deserted highway at night. They're almost there. -Dave Mix, Apr.25.04

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