Modest Mouse have set a December 19th release date for their upcoming album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank which Modest Mouse leader Isaac Brock describes as a "nautical balalaika carnival romp."

The band recently added Johnny Marr to their lineup and the former Smiths guitarist reportedly contributed to songwriting as well as performing on the album. He will also be joining the band on their next tour.

The band released Good News For People Who Love Bad News in 2004 through Epic Records.