The word appearing on my Speak ‘N Spell after seeing Modest Mouse is “AURA.”

This was my fourth time seeing the mice, and I have a different takeaway each time. Last time, I would have picked “PERSERVERANCE” as I was moved by lyrics from front man Isaac Brock. This time, I stepped back and appreciated the vibes that make this band what it is.

Known for an ever-changing setlist, I haven’t heard “The Cold Part” despite many shows… so imagine my shock seeing Brock bring the guitar up to his face and begin singing into the attached microphone. I found this the most endearing crack in the persona – it’s almost a silly move for a man who leans stoic. It led to a really interesting quality for that section of an already fan favorite tune and is a moment I keep replaying in my head in the days after. Aura!

I wish I was better at talking about instruments because this is very much an instrument band. There’s nothing like seeing Brock change his instrument out for a banjo, and while it’s a gut punch not seeing Jeremiah Green on percussion, I was delighted to still have all of the auxiliary fun throughout the show from Damon Cox and Ben Massarella.

Another thing I love about this band is they intentionally may not play the hits. This can be hard – I know “Dashboard” is a hit, but it’s MY hit and I love it – but it’s a testament to their love for the fans. Much of the crowd wants to hear “Baby Blue Sedan” more than something with radio play. When “Float On” began towards the end of the set, I was shocked thinking it was the closing song and that the band was following that more traditional show setup. I was proven wrong as “We Are Between,” a possibly divisive single although one of my favorites, was our kiss goodnight. Aura!

Two non-Modest Mouse sound cues also excited me, both towards the end of the show. First, the “Jaws” theme welcoming the group back from the encore. Coming on stage to a film score leans more “theater” than I am used to seeing from a very bootstraps band, similar to how I was tickled by Brock’s guitar-microphone silliness. Said encore included a favorite of mine, “Gravity Rides Everything.” Then, after the house lights came up, “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” by The Beatles blared through the speakers. This wrapped the night in a bow perfectly.

I have to admit that of all my times seeing them, this setlist contained the least amount of certified Hannah favorites. However, I think this allowed me to take in what makes this a group worth seeing on repeat, and that is the aura created by these mice from the PNW. A song I may not listen to much in the car is going to hit different live. Seeing fans hear surprises from the back catalog has a contagious happiness. I always leave with a new hyper-fixation song (“Speak ‘N Spell” this time!) and already can’t wait for my next show and my next song.

There are still a few weeks to immerse yourself in the aura that is Modest Mouse on their Fall 2026 tour. You can find dates near you on their website.