Concert Review: Modest Mouse | Cleveland, OH | 06.20.25

Modest Mouse played one of the loudest shows in this reviewer’s recent memory Friday night (June 20, 2025) at TempleLive in Cleveland. One of those bands that seems to be perpetually touring, they showed up in full force to a packed house, busting out a setlist of both crowd pleasers and under-appreciated deep dives, both of which this band has in spades. 

Modest Mouse opened with a bang, breaking out the rare gem “Make Everyone Happy / Mechanical Birds.” That song is from their 1996 debut album, ‘This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About,’ and yet they basically never play it live (until recently). The set featured three songs from that album. While the setlists on this tour share similarities, songs are never played in the same order, and some are left off or swapped out, so it’s impossible to know what you’re going to predict in store. That’s always going to make for a good show, and it’s not something one typically sees with a band that has been around for as long as Modest Mouse. 

While the band has been around for 30 years, it has undergone numerous lineup changes over that time, with lead singer Isaac Brock being the one constant. The band would not be what it is today without his distinct voice. There were moments throughout the night that TempleLive’s sound system seemed a little off, but then there were moments on “Breakthrough,” where you felt like they had never sounded better as a band, and Brock, in particular, was on fire. Recently, the other constant in the band, drummer Jeremiah Green, passed away, leaving some pretty big shoes to fill in a drum-heavy band. Damon Cox stepped up to that role quite well. The pounding drums on songs “Pups to Dust” or the ever-catchy “Float On” are so important to the band’s sound, and Cox stepped up nicely.

The band made effective use of their dual percussion section, with jam sessions that resonated throughout the body, even from the back of the room. The band did these quiet moments for a bit of the song, like “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine,” and then a force of drums from Cox and Ben Massarella from out of nowhere that hit like a freight train in your chest. Simon O’Connor, the member with arguably the most stand-out stage presence, would step in on lead guitar at the same time, shredding away. The sound was filled out nicely by Tom Peloso on keys and Russell Higbee on bass, which at times felt almost too overpowering.

Aside from a minor sound issue here and there, the show was astounding. The setlist was nothing short of spectacular. Before attending the show, there was word going around that Modest Mouse shows have been particularly good lately, and, after seeing the set, that word is absolutely correct.

The setlist was eclectic and tailor-made to showcase the band’s abilities for both longtime fans and newcomers. There were some old songs, some newer songs, some hits, and some surprises. Precisely what one hopes for from this band! Their playing feels as tight and fresh as ever. 

Doug Martsch opened, best known as the lead singer of indie rock legends Built to Spill. Martsch walked out on stage with the coolness and ease of a veteran performer who has seen all types of stages. He started his set with an excellent rendition of “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones. His haunting voice carried over the crowd. The audience was hooked right away. Not a hushed audience; an engaged one! Martsch is not a performer who appeals to a hushed audience.

He played a couple of songs from his solo work and a couple of crowd-pleasing Built to Spill cover songs. The set was short and sweet, featuring only Martsch and a couple of electric acoustic guitars. He still took the time to have a few little weird flourishes on the guitar every so often or to let a little feedback and distortion in on songs like “Virginia Reel Around the Fountain.” Coupled with his lovely voice, it was a pretty great set to watch. His simple, calm weirdness was enrapturing. It made you want to see what a headlining set by Martsch would look like.