Since their formation in the early 90s, the band has managed to generate a hugely devoted fanbase, and have released thousands of copies of singles such as ‘Float On’ and ‘Dashboard.’ In 2006, another guitarist, Johnny Marr joined the band. Marr had originally played for another popular band named The Smiths and was able to help the original members of Modest Mouse to expand their fanbase further. Other guitarists include Jim Fairchild, who joined in February of 2009.
In 2000, the band was signed to Epic Records, a record label under Sony. Since this contract began, the band have acquired huge commercial success and have influenced various other indie rock bands, changing and revolutionizing indie music. The band’s first release under Epic Records was titled ‘The Moon and Antarctica’ and featured fifteen tracks such as ‘Gravity Rides Everything,’ ‘Dark Center of the Universe,’ ‘The Stars Are Projectors’ and ‘Wild Packs of Family Dogs.’ The album was loved by critics, earning four and one half stars out of five from webzine AllMusic, as well as three and one half stars out of five from Rolling Stone magazine.
This album, along with ‘Good News For People Who Love Bad News’ have both been named as platinum and gold, a huge honour for any band. Modest Mouse’s early music is comparable to bands such as The Pixies and other similar acts. The band’s name comes from a Virginia Woolf novel titled ‘The Mark On The Wall,’ where the narrator describes ‘modest, mouse-coloured people.’
In the mid 90s, the band were signed to Up Records, and under this label, they released two further studio albums. The album ‘This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About’ was released in April of 1996 and contains sixteen tracks such as ‘Taking Shit About A Pretty Sunset,’ ‘Make Everyone Happy/ Mechanical Birds’ and ‘Exit Does Not Exist.’ The album once again wowed critics, earning favourable reviews.
Fans of Modest Mouse will agree that it is a higly awarding experience to see these individuals performing live. Each member of the band strives to ensure that their audience has a good time throughout the show’s entirety.