This was my first show at the Wellmont and it’s as awesome as you may have heard. First of all, there is not a bad seat in the house. For Modest Mouse, the orchestra was all standing room; the large balcony has fixed seats. Either way, you’re never behind a pillar or any other obstruction. More good news: The drinks I bought were the cheapest I’ve ever had at a concert. Two gin and tonics and a beer set me back $21.
I have to admit, I haven’t kept up with the newest music from Modest Mouse. As a teenager, I listened constantly to The Moon and Antarctica and Good News For People Who Love Bad News. More recently, I found the group’s sound to be darker and harder. I lost interest.
Luckily, Friday night’s set featured a stellar mix of modern and classic Modest Mouse. The second song of the evening was “Dark Center of the Universe”—a great start. Later, “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes” became a bright, dance-y cacophony. I waited all night to hear “Float On” (I just love it). When the opening chords started to stream from singer/guitarist Isaac Brock’s amps, I mouthed a silent, “thank you” to the Wellmont, my new favorite concert hall.