Full Breakdown
Modest Mouse Announces New Album and Fall Tour
4/21/2026, 8:21:13 PM
New Album Details: _An Eraser and a Maze_
Modest Mouse has officially announced their upcoming album, _An Eraser and a Maze_, set to be released on June 5, 2026, through Glacial Pace Recordings, marking their first independent release since 1997's _The Lonesome Crowded West_. The album follows their 2021 release, _The Golden Casket_, and features production by lead singer Isaac Brock, along with contributions from Jackknife Lee, Suzy Shinn, and Justin Raisen. The band has released the lead single, "Picking Dragon’s Pockets," which showcases a blend of intense instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
Brock described the creative process for this album as one where he "turned off [his] filter" and allowed the music to flow naturally. He elaborated on the emotional complexity of the songs, stating, “Thoughts, emotions, feelings, all that stuff… you’re like the soup, and it’s not always easy to pick out the ingredients.” This approach reflects a departure from his previous work, aiming to capture a more authentic expression of his experiences.
Upcoming Tour Schedule
In conjunction with the album announcement, Modest Mouse has expanded their North American tour, which will commence on May 12, 2026, in Spokane, Washington. The tour will include stops in major cities such as New York, New Orleans, and Austin, and will run through the fall. The complete tour schedule includes performances at notable festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, with tickets for the newly announced dates going on sale on April 24, 2026.
Selected Tour Dates:
- May 12: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
- June 4: New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
- August 18: Washington, DC – Nationals Park
- October 8: New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Tracklist for _An Eraser and a Maze_
The album will feature a total of 15 tracks, including:
1. Picking Dragon’s Pockets
2. Remember Yourself
4. Third Side of the Moon
5. Dogbed in Heaven/Give It a Skeleton
7. I Can’t Talk Right Now
8. Speak N’ Spell (Or Not)
9. Rotten Fruit (feat. Justin Raisen)
10. Knocked Down by Waves
11. Absolutely Necessary Never
12. Song About Nothing
15. Impossible Somedays
Official Statements & Responses
Brock emphasized the importance of authenticity in his songwriting, stating, “I don’t dwell on things much. I don’t grieve much. I’m not sure I’m a person. I feel like I should have more feelings than I do.” This sentiment reflects a deeper exploration of personal themes throughout the album.
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been significant excitement surrounding the album and tour, some fans express concern over the shift to an independent label after two decades with Epic Records. Critics argue that this transition may impact the band's production quality and marketing reach.
What's Next
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for _An Eraser and a Maze_, with fans eager to hear how Modest Mouse's new direction will manifest in both their music and live performances. The band is poised to engage with audiences across North America, celebrating their 30-year legacy in the music industry.
