On March 17, 2015, Modest Mouse released their first album in eight years. Although the album peaked at number three on the US Billboard 200 and received praise from many critics across the board, some criticized it for a lack of growth and experimentation. These claims of lack of growth are, in my opinion, empty.

Even if you don’t think this is one of  Modest Mouse’s best releases, songs like “Lampshades on Fire” and “Sugar Boats” display the familiar, crazy eyed eccentricities that fans have come to expect to hear from Modest Mouse. Then, songs like “Pistol (A.Cunanan, Miami, FL 1996)” display a step into a melancholy, satirical weirdness. In regards to “Pistol (A.Cunanan, Miami, FL 1996)”, the song was produced by longtime Ween producer Andrew Weiss where it’s outlandish nature can attributed to.

“Strangers to Ourselves” displayed growth as well as a dedication to a the sound that they have created.  I’m going to give this album a 9 out of 10, overall this LP is extremely well rounded and has everything that someone should look for in an album.