Modest Mouse brought a night of exciting nostalgia to MGM Music Hall at Fenway Oct. 15, delivering a set packed with 90s and early 2000s throwbacks, supported by indie rock veterans, Built to Spill.
Formed in 1993, Modest Mouse has long been credited with helping shape and elevate indie alternative rock in its early days. From their CD beginnings on car radios to headlining major venues for over three decades, Modest Mouse has carved out one of the most influential careers in modern rock.
This tour holds special meaning for fans, as Built to Spill has often been acknowledged as a key influence in Modest Mouse’s formation. The two bands have popularized their trademark sound, and on this tour, they share the same stage, bringing that Pacific Northwest indie scene from the 90s back to life.
Built to Spill set the course of the night on a high performing 10 classic tracks, including fan-favorites “I Would Hurt a Fly,” “Big Dipper,” “Liar” and “The Plan.”
Led by main vocalist and guitarist Doug Martsch, bassist Melanie Radford and drummer Teresa Esguerra, Built to Spill was the perfect welcome into the night. While Martsch is the band’s only permanent member, the trio collaborated wonderfully on stage and their chemistry was perfect.
With plucky guitar riffs and sweet vocals, Built to Spill set the tone early, filling the crowd with good vibes that carried through the entire night.
Since Modest Mouse was the headliner, it was obvious they were very anticipated by the excited crowd. Their setlist was a celebration of their 2000s album “The Moon & Antarctica,” which was played in its entirety.
Opening with “3rd Planet,” the band won over the crowd instantly. One of their best and most underrated songs, the track features a dreamy circular beat paired with lovely, meaningful lyrics that cover themes of grief and philosophical ideas.
Frontman Isaac Brock sounded just like he does on the record, delivering a live performance that was both musically tight and full of quirky, infectious energy. His joyful presence made him a pleasure to watch on stage.
After a few songs, he took a moment to thank the crowd for showing up, saying, “I’m a shitty speech giver. Thank you — and your family too. That’s as cute as I’m gonna get about shit.”
Despite the nearly two-and-a-half-hour set featuring 20 tracks, Brock’s energy never faded. His strong stage presence carried through the entire performance.
The lighting throughout the set was vibrant and dynamic, casting the band in waves of rainbow hues that enhanced the atmosphere and brought an extra layer of energy to the performance.
For their fourth track, “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes,” a cellist joined the band on stage, adding a rich new layer to the sound.
Throughout the show, there were at least six musicians on stage at all times, and it was striking how seamlessly their instruments blended together. From a bass guitar to the subtle chime of hand bells, each tool played a role in shaping the band’s satisfying, textured sound.
The band skillfully reprised elements from their earlier work throughout the show, weaving familiar guitar riffs and lyrics into various songs. This thoughtful nod to their discography added a depth that longtime fans appreciated.
While introducing the 14th track, “Life Like Weeds,” Brock dedicated the song to one of his friends. The track had a mellow, psychedelic dad-rock feel that created a nostalgic vibe. With its deep guitar grooves and angsty vocals, it felt like being in the backseat of your dad’s car, watching him rock out at the wheel — safe to say that’s the energy from most of their music.
After ending with “What People Are Made Of,” an explosive track full of raw scratchy vocals, the band left the stage, teasing their encore.
The band has been mixing up their five-song encore each night, so everyone was left curious as to what they would pull out for Boston.
Before they returned to the stage, the “Jaws” theme played over the speakers, teasing the crowd and ramping up the excitement for the band’s return.
The band’s encore included tracks off a variety of albums, such as “Parting of the Sensory,” “Cowboy Dan,” “Fire It Up,” “Dogbed/Sheetrock” and “Interstate 8,” ending with high rock energy.
While some concert-goers might have been a bit disappointed that their big hits like “Float On” or “Dashboard” were left off the set, it’s clear that after 32 years, the band can take creative liberties and their performance was still captivating and full of energy.
Overall, the night was charged with nostalgia, as both bands delivered classic performances that captured the spirit of their early days. The tour feels like a true revival of that iconic 90s indie rock era, bringing back its essence for longtime fans while introducing a new generation to its timeless sound.
Modest Mouse and Built to Spill will wrap up their 2025 tour Oct. 21 in Brooklyn, New York.
