In their new era, the Pixies gift us with an album that defies musical linearity, blending nostalgia and innovation in an unparalleled sonic journey.
Score: **** Label: BMG Release Date: October 25, 2024 Buy: Amazon
Since their reunion in 2004, the Pixies have been dedicated to reviving the essence of their iconic recordings from the 1990s. With original bassist Kim Deal on board, the band sought to recreate the experience of their live shows, honoring the impact of their explosive sound, which was a crucial influence on classic albums like Nirvana's Nevermind. However, Deal's vision of preserving the band's integrity led to her departure in 2013. Since then, Charles Thompson IV, known as Black Francis, has taken the reins, and the Pixies have been releasing new albums every two years, solidifying their relevance in the contemporary music scene.
Their latest album, while not carrying the historical weight of Surfer Rosa or Doolittle, offers a fresh perspective. Thompson, now more mature and less troubled by the anxieties of his youth, continues to explore complex and varied themes. The album reveals an artist who, though inspired by a spectrum of musical styles, manages to filter these influences through a peculiar and creative logic.
Tracks like “You’re So Impatient” stand out with a 60s garage-psychedelia vibe, imbued with a simmering anger that refuses to fully manifest. The near-title track, “Jane (The Night the Zombies Came),” combines elements of baroque pop with a surreal narrative, evoking the cinematography of classic films with its Morricone references. Other tracks, such as the playful “Chicken,” offer a unique and absurd perspective, while “The Vegas Suite” presents unexpected rhymes that challenge musical linearity.
This album also marks the debut of Emma Richardson from Band of Skulls as the new bassist. Her influence can be felt in songs like “Primrose” and “Kings of the Prairie,” which add a new dimension to the band's sound, integrating subtler harmonies and a country flair that complements Thompson’s eclectic approach.
In a world where the narrative is filled with surrealism and irony, the Pixies continue to defy expectations. The album's title suggests that the band’s musical journey is far from linear, with unannounced thematic appearances and lyrics that expose the complexity of human relationships. This work is a testament to Black Francis's creative talent and the band’s ability to constantly reinvent themselves, remaining relevant and innovative even after decades of existence.
With this new effort, the Pixies reaffirm their status as one of the most original and influential bands in the music scene, demonstrating that, regardless of the passage of time, their genius remains intact.
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