Since the late 80s, the Pixies influenced many an indie band and played a huge part in the emersion of underground/alternative/punk/indie rock into popular music. With the release of their latest album, “Head Carrier”, it marks 30 years since the band formed in Boston in 1986. It is difficult to come upon an opinion on this album because of the yearn for signature Pixies jams from classic albums like Doolittle, Surfer Rosa, and Trompe le Monde. You can definitely hear some of the signature Pixies sounds which IS appreciated –kind of. To quote the honorable Cheech Marin, “…it’s like the same, but different”. The album is a little bit too tight at times. Tight shredding and jamming is appreciated, but these guys are best when they’re crafting the scrappy, melodic, punk rock noise from yesteryear.
Ok, enough of the past, everyone can totally get over it! The album starts off with “Head Carrier”. The electric guitar riff and unison shouting of the main line “Head Carrier!”, definitely brings that Pixies vibe. As the album goes on the songs have become too polished and smooth around the edges but are catchy enough to hold interest. On “Oona” the guitar and vocals tease a gradual build into a great, chaotic (but tight) punky jam. However, as it goes on it just kind of chills with a light-hearted chord progression and a melody that will be stuck in the head for the rest of the day. Which might not be such a bad thing but it was a definite tease. Then again Black Francis can do whatever he wants!
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