Pixies, Modest Mouse - Climate Pledge Arena - 09.08.23 - Photos by Chris Butcher
Pixies and Modest Mouse are currently on a co-headlining tour of America, sweeping the nation with classic songs that music lovers have enjoyed for over 30 years.
The bands made their way into Seattle, where it's undeniable that the legacy and influence of these two bands have inspired several famous bands to come out of the Pacific Northwest.
The evening began with the opening act, Cat Power. The solo singer-songwriter performs with a poetic and proto-punk musical style that is the 90s answer to Patti Smith. Cat Power, supported by her well-assembled backing band, started their set with an atmospheric cover of The Rolling Stones' classic hit, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." The song set a tone that, despite her appreciation for classic rock songs, her set would remain unconventional.
Continuing the show was Pixies. Kurt Cobain once said, "When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily..." If that doesn't express the importance of Pixies' contribution to music history, I'm not sure what will. The band played a powerfully emotional 24-song set that included hits such as "Gouge Away," Here Comes Your Man" and the forever iconic "Where Is My Mind."
Frontman Black Francis possesses the crowd with his mystic presence, inviting fans to go from thrashing to noisy punk riffs to happily dancing to dreamy pop grooves.
The exciting deep cuts within the set that hardcore fans appreciated included, a slowed-down alternate version of "Nimrod's Son," the eerie "Caribou" and the UK Surf version of "Wave Of Mutilation."
Suffice it to say, the audience expressed their love of the band's performance by giving them a thunderous round of applause.
Closing out the night was Issaquah Washington's very own Modest Mouse. The electrifying set from a band that defined indie rock during the mid-2000s showed that they still pack a high-octane punch. Modest Mouse belted out big-sounding songs, like the party rock anthem "Dashboard," the dissonant "Dramamine" and the the band's signature song " Float on."
There was an emotional feeling during their set as this show marks the band's first time playing in Washington since the death of drummer and founding member Jeremiah Green in December of 2022. Yet despite the group's recent tragedy, they continue to honor the legacy of Green by playing their hearts out.
By the end of the night, fans left with smiles, tears of joy and a feeling that 'we'll all float on okay.'
--Review by Chris Butcher
