Modest Mouse / Wolf Parade

Nobody would have guessed that this year's surprise success story would be Modest Mouse. With the band shifting more copies of their latest record, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, than their previous releases combined, their success wasn't fully realised by long-time fans until the droves came out for this concert, which sold out in just two days. Montreal's Wolf Parade, who recently signed to Sub Pop with the help of Isaac Brock, kicked off the show with a strong set made up of songs from their two independently released EPs. Chalking up points for their angular guitars, minor note-screeching organs and occasional disco-happy drum beats, the band delivered an elated showcase of what to expect from their forthcoming debut album. When Brock and company (including the return of original drummer Jeremiah Green) walked on stage for their first Toronto gig in four years, you could sense the anticipation in the air for both established and fair-weather fans alike. Of course, six musicians made up the live band, giving the sense that the majority of the performance would be geared towards their elaborate new songs. Regardless, they opened with a perfect choice, The Moon & Antarctica's "3rd Planet," a song that has become such a staple that it seems to be the only one fit for the job. Testing the interest and stamina of new fans, they introduced radio hit "Float On" three songs in. The rapturous applause and enthusiastic sing-along was not just from newbies, as their veteran admirers joined in to prove they knew a good hit single when they heard one. As the set moved along, Brock constantly switched it up with the set list to find a happy medium. Classics like "Doin' The Cockroach" and "Interstate 8" were intertwined with Good News tracks such as "Ocean Breathes Salty" and "Satin In A Coffin," which saw Brock break out the banjo. When the encore came, Brock hopped on the piano and the band switched to romantic mode, dishing out the lovely "World At Large." Closing off the night with signature song "Never Ending Math Equation," Modest Mouse easily defied any naysayers upset with their mainstream mingling by delivering a solid set fit for any type of fan, old or new.