Modest Mouse at Williamsburg Waterfront

On Friday, I saw indie rock gods Modest Mouse...for about twenty minutes. I arrived at the newly opened WIlliamsburg Waterfront a little late, catching the tail end of opener Morning Transportation. Although it was grey and muggy all day, by the time the show started it was sunny and beautiful, and with a view off the New York skyline coasting the water, it seemed like we were in for a magical evening.

WRONG! As Isaac Brock and Co. took the stage, a wild breeze came with them as the sky resumed its earlier demeanor. At first the change was nice given the intense heat, but as opening number, "Satelite Skin" skittered over its false start (Brock's amp kicked out after a few strums), it became apparent that this might not be the only interruption this show would see. After a rousing rendition of "Bury Me With It", Brock commented on the incoming dark clouds, expressing hope that this would not affect the show. Right as the band were getting warmed up, playing a deep cut from Everywhere And His Nasty Parlor Tricks, "Here It Comes", the band was called off the stage for what was supposed to be twenty minutes. As it turned out, the show ended up being cancelled due to the inclement weather, despite it being a rain or shine ticket.

This is actually the second time I've missed on seeing them play due to rain. In 2008, when they were opening for R.E.M., their show at Jones Beach was cut short due to serious downpour. This was double dissapointing considering this was during the period when Johnny Marr was playing with them (although he's technically still considered a member of the group, he hasn't been touring with them recently due to his time being taken up playing with the far undeserving indie rock outfit, The Cribs). 

While the show was at first believed to be cancelled completely with no reschedule, according to Brooklyn Vegan, the show will go on September 14th at the same venue. Modest Mouse are known for their short tours and it seemed unlikely that they would come back to New York to redo the show, so it is quite a treat to hear they will be playing here again. Maybe I can finally see what their encore is like.