For People Who Love Good News

On their latest release, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, the indie rock golden children from Modest Mouse deliver nothing short of great news. With the banjos on “Bukowski” and “Satin in a Coffin,” the fiddle on “Blame It On The Tetons,” and the pump organ-driven “Interlude,” an old timey feel permeates Good News. After their cooler, more elusive The Moon and Antarctica, this album continues to follow Isaac Brock through his struggle with mortality and fear of stagnation with a sound closer to Brock’s side project, Ugly Cassanova. It plays off his near-hoarse vocals to support his most direct, but cleverly articulate lyrics. On “Bukowski,” Brock’s concerns surface, declaring, “If God takes life, he’s an Indian giver.” Interestingly, Good News is also a showcase of the band’s range. “Float On,” the album’s upbeat, radio-friendly first single, will get caught in your head, and your brain will willingly embrace it. Backed up by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Brock manages a vocal nod to Tom Waits on “This Devil’s Workday.” With its convulsive guitars and explosive, unsteady vocals, the magnum force “Bury Me With It” is reminiscent of their earlier album, The Lonesome Crowded West, serving as the culmination of Brock’s anxiety.

Though this album saw the departure of drummer Jeremiah Green, Benjamin Weikel (Helio Sequence) aptly fills his shoes as the marching drums of “Satin in a Coffin” and the stop-start drumming of “Black Cadillacs” alleviate any doubt. Despite the anticipation and heavy promotion of Good News, MM was able to not only maintain, but cultivate that creative element that makes them one of the most talented and original indie rock bands.