They're one of the few bands out there that stick to what they play, and they're good, if you can handle stylized music instead of another "hardcore" band that sits around drinking all day then splits up after three albums... or one of those other crappy bands that writes about women and how they can't get over their ex-girlfriend from the 7th grade.
Modest Mouse is a nice trip away from all that crap... they've got talent, and their songs actually make you think. >.>