While The Lonesome Crowded West was not Modest Mouse’s first album, it was certainly their breakthrough album that turned heads and piqued people’s interest. Friday night, diehard Modest Mouse fans crammed into the Riviera Theatre to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band’s second album, The Lonesome Crowded West.

Modest Mouse’s iconic sound and vocals have captivated listeners for years. Their songwriting shows off the talents of all the bandmates and the honesty of their lyrics is like a punch to the gut. As part of XRT’s Holiday Jam Series, Modest Mouse treated fans by playing The Lonesome Crowded West in its entirety from start to finish.

The excitement in the venue was palpable before the show began as eager fans chatted about their favorite songs from the album or which Modest Mouse shows they had been to. As the band made their way through the album, fans sang or screamed along with the band, showing their deep love and appreication of the band’s brilliant work.

Friday night was a celebration of great songwriting and a love song to fans that have stuck with them from the start. It leaves me wishing more bands did tours of this sort because they are truly magical.

Photos and review by Abby Walter