Indie rock heroes Modest Mouse played to a sold out crowd at Rams Head Live in Baltimore’s inner harbor on 4/18/2022. This was the band’s first show of the tour, and it was clear they are at one of their top musical peaks. Amazing performance by versatile musicians. The band is currently on an extensive US tour in support of their 2021 album, The Golden Casket. Shows are selling out so secure your spot quickly.

Anyway, tickets for Modest Mouse’s current tour can be purchased at modestmouse.com/#tour. Also be sure to check the Official Modest Mouse Website for music, videos, merch, and tickets for all upcoming tour dates. Continue reading below for my full review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.

I am fortunate enough to have seen Modest Mouse live a couple times in the ’90s and a couple times in the 2000s. They are a unique and progressive live act. Always seem to be in their own world, musically. I have seen them perform as a three-piece and as a seven-piece band. For this tour the band is in full-force.

This incarnation of Modest Mouse appeared to be six fairly stationary players (sticking to 1-2 instruments), and one multi-instrumentalist (playing about 4-5). The sound was beautiful yet somewhat creepy and haunting. Loved it. One of the band’s best performances that I’ve seen.

Modest Mouse opened the set with “Dramamine.” Great song. One of my favorites by them, actually. This song is the opening track from their 1996 debut album, “This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About.” Not a bad way to kick things off. The fans smashed against the railing behind me were in musical ecstasy. Everyone was smiling and singing along. A wonderful communal experience. A fantastical drunken circus.

Other songs that stood out included “We Are Between,” “3rd Planet,” “Fuck Your Acid Trip,” “Never Ending Math Equation,” “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine,” and “Ocean Breathes Salty.” Yes, they played “Float On” but I personally prefer these other songs. I noticed a portion of the audience exiting after they played “Float On.” So lame. Their unfortunate loss.

As a concert photographer it can be challenging taking photos and writing concert reviews. Luckily for me I was able to enjoy this show, absorb the music, and have access to the photo pit. There was only one other photographer in the photo pit for this show too; which was surprising. It is always a good feeling to have a spacious photo pit. Especially when you are not expecting it.

If you are unfamiliar with Modest Mouse I recommend checking them out. The band has released seven studio albums since 1996. They cover a wide range of styles and music genres. A little something for almost any musical taste within the rock world. The band’s lineup is primarily centered around founding-members Isaac Brock (lead singer/guitarist) and Jeremiah Green (drummer). The band has undergone multiple lineup changes throughout the years, but the immense driving force has always been these two.

Below are more photos from Modest Mouse’s sold out performance at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD on 4/18/2022. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson. All images captured while on assignment for Highway 81 Revisited. Enjoy!

Stream Modest Mouse’s new album, The Golden Casket, on Spotify and then buy a copy!