Shane Gilchrist reviews the Pixies' latest album.
The dust having settled on the fanfare/expectation/reaction to 2014 comeback album Indie Cindy, the Pixies’ seventh full-length effort might not reach the visceral heights of Surfer Rosa or Doolittle, yet there are enough quality songs here (Talent, Classic Masher) to suggest Black Francis and company are more comfortable exploring the craft of making music than merely reprising former sonic glories.
That said, the idiosyncrasies of Joey Santiago’s lead guitar and the soft-to-squall dynamics of Francis’ vocal approach remain.
And there is no denying the influence of Paz Lenchantin, whose vocals contribute to the success of Head Carrier.
• Pixies. Head Carrier. Pixies Music/Pias.
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: Might As Well Be Gone
For those who like: Sebadoh
