Modest Mouse - The Golden Casket (2LP)

Modest Mouse's seventh studio album, "The Golden Casket," was released on June 25, 2021, through Epic Records. The album marks the band's first full-length release since "Strangers to Ourselves" in 2015, making it a highly anticipated return for fans of the indie rock group. Known for their eclectic sound and introspective lyrics, Modest Mouse continues to explore new musical landscapes while maintaining the distinctive qualities that have defined their career.

"The Golden Casket" was produced by Dave Sardy and Jacknife Lee, both of whom have extensive experience in the music industry. Sardy has worked with artists like Oasis and LCD Soundsystem, while Lee has collaborated with U2 and R.E.M. Their combined expertise brings a polished yet experimental edge to the album, blending traditional rock instrumentation with electronic elements and unconventional sounds.

The album opens with "Fuck Your Acid Trip," a track that immediately sets the tone with its energetic rhythm and cryptic lyrics. Isaac Brock's distinctive vocal delivery is as compelling as ever, weaving through a tapestry of layered guitars and synths. The song's title and content suggest a rejection of escapism, a theme that recurs throughout the album.

"We Are Between," the lead single, follows with a more accessible sound, featuring a catchy chorus and anthemic quality. The song's lyrics reflect a sense of existential uncertainty, a hallmark of Brock's songwriting. The accompanying music video, directed by Kyle Thrash, visually complements the song's themes with its surreal and dreamlike imagery.

"Walking and Running" is another standout track, characterized by its driving beat and intricate instrumentation. The song showcases the band's ability to create complex musical arrangements without sacrificing emotional impact. The lyrics explore themes of movement and change, resonating with the album's overall sense of searching and questioning.

"Lace Your Shoes" offers a more introspective moment, with a slower tempo and reflective lyrics. The song's gentle melody and acoustic elements provide a contrast to the more upbeat tracks, highlighting the band's versatility. Brock's lyrics here are particularly poignant, touching on themes of parenthood and the passage of time.

"Wooden Soldiers" is one of the album's more experimental tracks, featuring a mix of electronic beats and organic sounds. The song's structure is unconventional, with shifting tempos and a sense of unpredictability. This track exemplifies Modest Mouse's willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

The album's title track, "The Golden Casket," serves as a thematic centerpiece, encapsulating the album's exploration of mortality and the human condition. The song's lyrics are dense and metaphorical, inviting multiple interpretations. Musically, it combines elements of rock, electronic, and ambient music, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.

"Back to the Middle" closes the album on a hopeful note, with an uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics. The song's message of resilience and perseverance is a fitting conclusion to an album that grapples with complex and often dark themes.

Overall, "The Golden Casket" is a testament to Modest Mouse's enduring creativity and relevance. The album successfully balances experimentation with accessibility, offering something for longtime fans and new listeners alike. The production is polished yet adventurous, and the songwriting is as thought-provoking as ever. While it may not have the immediate impact of some of the band's earlier work, "The Golden Casket" is a rewarding listen that reveals new layers with each spin.