Modest Mouse - Interstate 8 (Album Review)

 

Modest Mouse - Interstate 8

(1996)


My copy: 2015 reissue by Glacial Pace.


Already sitting at well over an hour of material, Modest Mouse’s official debut record could only contain so much material. The band had accumulated a handful of singles through the mid 90s, and two compilations were released to chronicle these bonus songs. Interstate 8 was released in 1996 as a compilation EP with a series of singles on the A-side and a live session on the B-side.

“Interstate 8” is the standout track for its near perfect marriage of Isaac Brock’s raving, emotional vocals to howling bent guitar chords. A bit more aggressive and self-serious, the title track is more reminiscent of early emo offerings from the likes of Rites Of Spring, etc. “All Night Diner” immediately changes the mood with a lighthearted spoof on southern rock. “Sleepwalking (Couples Only Dance Prom Night)” is a cover of Santo & Johnny, only with Brock singing about adolescent romance. “Tundra/Desert” appears from This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About before the A-side closes with the more emotionally charged “Edit The Sad Parts,” which only appeared on the vinyl pressing of the aforementioned album.

The B-side is labeled as “Live In Sunburst, Montana” and collects live versions of odds and ends as a treat for diehard fans. Highlights include the galloping energy of “Buttons To Push The Buttons” and an extended version of “Beach Side Property.” Interstate 8 is a solid collection of mostly unrelated songs from the early stages of Modest Mouse. The live set will likely only wow fans who have already been sold, but a select few singles (“Interstate 8” itself) stand as some of their best work.

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