Pixies & Modest Mouse w/ Cat Power
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
09.08.23

To see The Pixies and Modest Mouse live in the same night is to partake in an evening of indie rock lore. Climate Pledge Arena was packed to the gills to see these two everlasting, fabled bands, the audience’s age diversity serving as testament to the enduring legacy of both legendary groups.

Cat Power, herself an icon in rock pantheon, kicked off the evening with a beautiful, energetic set. Lit with magentas and blues, her mix of punk, folk, and blues set the table seamlessly for The Pixies to follow.

The Pixies kicked off the evening with a roar, launching into classics like “Monkey Gone to Heaven”, “Hey” and “Debaser.” From Black Francis’s distinctive howl, Joey Santiago’s ornate guitar riffs, Paz Lenchantin’s driving bass and harmonies, and David Lovering’s energetic drums, every part of the set was tight and intricate, an energetic live-wire. Concluding their set with the trio of “Death Horizon”, “Wave of Mutilation”, and the classic “Where Is My Mind?”, encouraged everyone in the seated sections to stand and those on the floor to dance with gusto.

By the time Modest Mouse took the stage, Isaac Brock and his bandmates were ready to blow the roof off the arena. Formed in Issaquah in the early 90s, performing in Seattle is a homecoming of epic proportions. They’re set that was both emotionally charged and musically intricate. “King Rat” and “Dashboard” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while deeper cuts like “Dramamine” and “Wooden Soldiers” showcased their artistic depth. Tying it all together with “”Float On” and “Cowboy Dan” provided he crowd with an emotional catharsis rare at contemporary rock shows.

What made this concert truly special was the synergy between all three acts. From Cat Powers’ folk punk, The Pixies’ raw, palpable energy, to Modest Mouse’s introspective and experimental approach, this was an evening to remember. It was a celebration of the past of indie rock made present, with the future shining bright. No doubt those in attendance left with their hearts full and their spirits lifted, grateful to have witnessed such an extraordinary evening of music.

Photos and review by Sattva Photo