We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Last year, in a move that nearly blew the mangy-haired heads off of their fans, indie-rock weirdos Modest Mouse pulled ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr into their noisy jam. Now a full-fledged member, Marr’s most notable contribution to the group is his ability to fit in seamlessly. The Washington rockers create their loudest clamor yet on We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank with jabbing guitars and off-kilter horn arrangements, while frontman Isaac Brock howls and yelps about robots, flies, and Florida, swapping lines on several songs with the Shins’ singer, James Mercer. The combo of tropical guitar and cheap Casio beat make “Missed the Boat” a boozy favorite, while fans looking for the feel-good vibe of the band’s 2004 monster hit, “Float On,” will dig “Fire It Up,” ascrap-your-day-job-and-move-to-the-beach anthem. We’ll bring the sunblock.