FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A R500 VOUCHER AT MONTH END, READ THE SHORT REVIEW AND ANSWER THE QUICK QUIZ IN COMMENTS BELOW
Before Nirvana shook our foundations with 'Nevermind' and before Pearl Jam followed suit with 'Ten', The Pixies were already creating their own alternative storm.
It all started with their 1988 indie-rock classic 'Surfer Rosa', but their first time round ended all too prematurely with 1991's Trompe Le Monde.
Blending a fierce mix of punk sensibility, arena-sized riffs that surged from loud to quiet and back again, and an obsession with surf-rock, The Pixies were, in all likelihood, an underground influence on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder and friends.
Founder Charles Thompson (aka Black Francis or Frank Black) was an Anthropology Major at the University of Massachusetts before dropping out to study Spanish in Puerto Rico. He then moved back to the States, convincing college mate, guitarist Joey Santiago, to move to Boston. It was there they advertised for a bass player who liked Husker Du and Peter, Paul & Mary - kinda weird combo, but they ended up with Kim Deal of The Breeders fame.
Sadly, the band split after 4 albums, with the curtain falling on 1991's Trompe Le Monde. It was the last time for a long while that we would hear the noisy riffs and snarling choruses (U-Mass), the melodic surf-rock (Letter To Memphis, Bird Dream of the Olympus Mons) and the punkish energy that had the mosh-pit heaving (Head On, The Sad Punk). It was also the last time that Kim Deal would play bass.
They spent 23 years apart pursuing other projects, before 2014's Indie City heralded a return. Head Carrier followed, but it wasn't until 2019's Beneath The Eyrie, with Paz Lechantin firmly in place on bass, that The Pixies legitimately reclaimed some of their former glory.
And so we eagerly await the release of their brand new album Doggerel, set for release on Sept 30. Early signs have Pixies fans abuzz, with lead single 'There's A Moon On' picking up where 'Eyrie' left off. And that was a great record.
So, will the new album live up to expectation? Who knows? But one thing's for certain, it's bloody good to have the Pixies back tearing it up again.
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A R500 VOUCHER AT MONTH END...
What is the real name of Pixies founder Black Francis?
And what is your favourite Pixies album?
Founder: Charles Thompson
Favourite Album: Surfer Rosa
Real name: Charles Thompson
Favourite Album: Doolittle
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Scott Matthews
June 18, 2022
Charles Thompson
Doolittle