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Pixies and Modest Mouse Rock Forest Hills Stadium in Unforgettable Performance



On a cool summer evening, the iconic Forest Hills Stadium in New York City became a sanctuary for alternative rock enthusiasts as it hosted an unforgettable concert featuring the legendary Pixies and the ever-inventive Modest Mouse. The historic venue, known for its outstanding acoustics and intimate atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for an evening of unfiltered rock music.


The evening kicked off with Modest Mouse, whose eclectic soundscapes and lyrics have earned them a dedicated fanbase over the decades. Frontman Isaac Brock led the charge with his distinctive voice, immediately launching into "The Stars Are Projectors," a track that set the tone for a setlist filled with emotional highs and introspective lows.


Modest Mouse is an American rock band that originated in Issaquah, Washington, in 1992. The band is known for its multifarious sound, which blends elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and experimental rock. They have been influential in the indie music scene and have become an inspiration to many newer, more mainstream artists, while also earning a die-hard fanbase spanning across generations. Their lyrics frequently explore themes of isolation, existential crisis, and the absurdity of life. Over the years, the band has evolved, experimenting with different sounds and production techniques while maintaining their unique voice.


As the band's lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter, Isaac Brock stands at the forefront of Modest Mouse's artistry. Brock's distinctive vocal style and introspective, often surreal lyrics are central to the band's identity. The band's primary drummer, Damon Cox joined Modest Mouse in 2023, bringing his unique style and experience to the band's rhythm section. He is adept at both intricate, complex rhythms and driving, straightforward beats, complementing Modest Mouse's shifting tempos and varied musical landscapes. Enhancing Cox's percussive prowess is supporting drummer Ben Massarella, whose style is distinguished by its inventiveness and adaptability. He skillfully blends traditional drumming techniques with experimental percussive elements, creating a rich tapestry of rhythms that complement Modest Mouse's eclectic sound, often utilizing unconventional instruments and percussive effects. Known for his skills on bass, guitar, upright bass, keyboard, and various other instruments, Tom Peloso's role in Modest Mouse is multifaceted. He is capable of delivering both solid, driving bass lines and intricate, melodic passages. His contributions on keyboards often bring a lush, layered quality to the band's music, enriching their sonic palette. Russel Higbee's bass playing provides a solid foundation for the band's rhythm section, complementing the intricate guitar work and dynamic drumming that characterize Modest Mouse's sound. His background in experimental rock influences his approach, allowing him to bring unconventional elements into Modest Mouse's music. In Modest Mouse, Simon O'Connor serves as one of the guitarists, a role in which he excels. His guitar work is integral to the band's layered and textured sound, ranging from indie rock to experimental and beyond, he can effortlessly switch between intricate, melodic lines and more aggressive rhythmic parts.


Modest Mouse's performance at Forest Hills showcased a setlist masterfully blending old favorites with newer material, creating an engaging journey through their extensive catalog. Tracks like "Dashboard" and "Float On" had the entire stadium singing along, their anthemic choruses resonating with fans of all ages. The band's energy was infectious, with Brock's erratic movements and impassioned delivery bringing an element of unpredictability to the performance.


Highlights of the set included "Fire It Up" and a cover of The Cure song "A Forest," both of which showcased the band's refined musicianship and ability to blend catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. The live rendition of "Fire It Up" brought the classic 2007 track back to life, with Brock's stage performance being the center of attention as he played his guitar with his face and jumped around the stage as if it was still the 2000's. Modest Mouse's cover of "A Forest" was exceptional, showcasing their talents as musicians and not just as songwriters, taking a legendary hit and making it authentically their own with their typical eclectic flair.

As the Pixies took the stage, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted and the crowd's excitement reached new heights. With a career spanning over three decades, the Pixies have solidified their status as pioneers of alternative rock, and their performance at Forest Hills Stadium was a testament to their enduring influence.


Much like Modest Mouse, The Pixies are an influential American alternative rock band that formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1986. They are known for their unique sound which blends elements of punk rock, indie rock, surf rock, and noise pop. Their music is characterized by dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" song structures, raw and edgy guitar riffs, and Black Francis' distinctive vocal style that ranges from melodic singing to primal screams. Lyrically, their songs often explore surreal and unconventional themes, including sci-fi, biblical violence, and personal angst.


The band's debut album, Surfer Rosa (1988), produced by Steve Albini, received critical acclaim for its raw production and powerful songs. Their follow-up, Doolittle (1989), is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, featuring tracks like "Debaser," "Wave of Mutilation," and "Here Comes Your Man." The Pixies' music was crucial in shaping the alternative rock scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, influencing bands such as Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer.

The Pixies disbanded in 1993, following internal tensions and the members' desire to pursue other projects. During their hiatus, the band's influence only grew, solidifying their status as alt-rock pioneers. In 2004, the Pixies reunited and have since released new music and embarked on numerous tours, attracting both old fans and a new generation of listeners.


The Pixies are often credited with bridging the gap between punk rock and alternative rock, paving the way for the explosion of the alternative rock music scene in the 1990s. Their innovative sound, dynamic performances, and influential albums have left an indelible mark on rock music, making them a cornerstone in the history of modern rock.


The Pixies' stage production was minimalistic, allowing the music to take center stage. Subtle lighting changes with an enthralling sunset backdrop were all that was needed to create a visually engaging experience. This stripped-down approach emphasized the Pixies' raw sound and the emotional weight of their music. As their newest edition, Emma Richardson's basslines were melodic and driving, seamlessly blending into the soundscapes of the other musicians composing Pixies, who have withstood decades of the music. Her harmonies with Black Francis added depth to the vocal arrangements and elevated the overall musical landscape.


The setlist was a well-curated mix of classics and deeper cuts, including fan favourites like "Where Is My Mind?" "Monkey Gone to Heaven," and "Isla de Encanta" (my personal favorite from their discography). Each song was met with fervent cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs, the crowd revelling in the nostalgia and timelessness of the Pixies' music. "Where Is My Mind?" was a standout moment, with the iconic riff echoing through the stadium as thousands of voices joined in unison, creating a powerful and unforgettable experience.


As the night drew to a close, Pixies came together for one final track to end the evening, a cover of Neil Young's "Winterlong," a brief but memorable closing to the masterful twenty-six-song setlist. The cover was a fitting end to an evening that celebrated the enduring power of alternative rock and the profound impact of two seminal bands.


The Pixies and Modest Mouse's joint performance at Forest Hills Stadium was an unforgettable one, showcasing their enduring talent and unwavering ability to connect with audiences of all generations. The energy, passion, and musical prowess displayed by both bands made for an unforgettable night, solidifying their status as legends of the alternative rock scene.


 


Photographs by: Sabrina Amoriello

Article by: Sabrina Amoriello

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