For last 30 years, Pixies have been an alternative rock institution. Even with a decade of inactivity their legacy only continued to grow, and their landmark albums, âSurfer Rosaâ and âDoolittleâ remain both iconic and influential. When long-running bassist Kim Deal announced her departure from Pixies, the future of the band was put in doubt, and the release of their 2014 album, âIndie Cindyâ, failed to match the classic status of their earlier material.
Fast forward to 2016, and they are back again with another album, âHead Carrierâ, and you would be forgiven if you were to approach it with some degree of apprehension based on their last effort. However, as the albumâs smooth title track kicks off their sixth album, it is a pleasant surprise to hear how rejuvenated Pixies appear. Incomparable vocalist Frank Black sounds on fine form. Whether he is crooning his way through the surf-rock of âClassic Masherâ, or adding a gritty drawl to the alternative punk stomp of âBaals Backâ, these tracks sound like vintage Pixies.
Known for their use of the âloud/quiet/loudâ formula that many bands still attempt to nail to this day, âHead Carrierâ harks back to Pixies glory days, even if it perhaps doesnât quite relive them. Guitarist Joey Santiago shows restraint during the verses, before proving he can still riff with the best of them. His bright melodies cruise through the chorus of âMight As Well Be Goneâ, and compliment David Loveringâs frantic drumming through âTalentâ.
The most notable difference about âHead Carrierâ is the new confidence that seems to exude from bassist, Paz Lenchantin. While she has a well-stacked CV of bands she has previously worked with, she felt somewhat restrained on âIndie Cindyâ. This time around she feels like the perfect fit for the band, and her playing and vocal harmonies sound very natural to the Pixies; especially when she trades off lines with Black in âBel Espritâ, it works wonders. Well-aware of the shoes she had to fill replacing Kim Deal, she takes the lead on âAll I Think About Nowâ, which is an open thank you letter to her predecessor, and one which will surely make Deal proud.
Much like many of the bands from the alternative rock revolution of the late eighties, Pixies will probably always be measured by their early trajectory. However âHead Carrierâ sounds more like the Pixies than their last record. It ticks every box you want it to, and adds to their timeless legacy rather than tarnishes it.
GLEN BUSHELL