From the second I learned that Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse would be coming to 713 Music Hall in Houston August 20, 2025, I was all in. That was a ticket I had to get, full stop.
The bands would be joined by opening act Friko, an indie rock group from Chicago. Their debut album, Where We've Been, Where We Go From Here, was released in 2024.
Unfortunately a family emergency prevented the fabulous Flaming Lips from performing on this particular night. Friko and Modest Mouse both expanded their sets to fill in and support in their absence.
Friko strolled out onto the stage, launching into songs like "Guess," "7 Degrees," and "For Ella." Frontman Niko Kapetan's voice felt soulful over the guitar riffs. The intimate connection with the audience was evident. The final send-off song was a cover of Flaming Lips' "Waitin' for Superman." It made for a nice salute to their missing tour mates.
Friko-713 Music Hall-Houston, Texas
Modest Mouse took the stage prepared for a nice long two-hour set. Lead singer Isaac Brock, clad in a pink and white baseball cap and a plaid jacket, engaged in some chit-chat with the audience before beginning our musical journey with "Bury Me With It." Seven studio albums gave ample choices of songs such as "Satellite Skin," "Float On," "Cowboy Dan," and "Dashboard." The band's sound, spacey but melodic, floated through the venue, punctuated by Brock's emphatic vocal style. Another unique characteristic of Modest Mouse is their two-percussion setup, powered by Ben Masarella and Damon Cox. A stunning 5-song encore ushered in a new rush of energy. As the night wound down, the last song to rise through the atmosphere was "Ocean Breathes Salty." Thanks for taking us there, Modest Mouse, "When the ocean met the sky..."
Modest Mouse-713 Music Hall-Houston, Texas
Modest Mouse and Friko- 713 Music Hall-Houston, Texas
