Modest Mouse has just completed a small tour, one that saw the band play smaller venues in support of nothing in particular. Since the release of 2007′s We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, the band hasn’t released any proper new material. However, they have been performing a new song, “Satellite Skin” in the live setting for some time. The crew stopped by Letterman for a performance of the song, which will be released as a 7″ single on Record Store Day (4/18). The track sees Brock showing his guitar skills whilst exploring some mellower textures. Some palm muted strums accompany a little slide guitar while Brock’s horse vocals do what they do best.  Check it out:

As Stereogum points out, the song does have a very similar feel to Pavement’s “Here”, but nevertheless it sounds great as its own tune and should sound even better on record. Letterman seems to be impressed again as he repeats the phrase “I think so” continually and tells them that they “passed the audition.”

A music video for the song is in the making by none other than Tool “Stinkfist” director Kevin Willis. In addition to the first single, the group will release three more 7″s before the August release of a b-sides and rarities EP No One’s First and You’re Next. The EP collects polished outtakes from the group’s past two records and features “King Rat”, the song for which Heath Ledger directed a music video. Hopefully that will surface at some point soon.

Lots of news for the Washingtonians, but nothing crazy as of yet. I guess they’re a pretty modest outfit (attempt at humor).