Album Review: Pixies – The Night The Zombies Came

Legendary rock outfit Pixies once seemed like a band that was destined to remain in the past. After inspiring the likes of Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer, and leading alternative rock into the mainstream, the band began their hiatus in the mid-nineties, and subsequently became a legacy act. In the mid-two thousands however, they returned to great acclaim with 2014’s Indie Candy, and had success with 2016’s Head Carrier. Members have since been and gone, but now after only a two-year gap in releases, they’ve returned with new album The Night The Zombies Came.

The album begins with Primrose, a melancholic indie rock tune with a simple yet catchy melody and an abrupt ending that sets up the following track You’re So Impatient well. The latter is a fast pace calls back to the band’s earlier oeuvres, its punky hook gripping. Jane, aka. the title track, has a Motown vibe to its drums – especially with it exaggerated snare hits – and a theatricality in its dark call-and-response backing vocals and storytelling. Chicken continues the spooky undertones, the waltzy ballad flowing to and fro with fuzzy bass and reverb-heavy guitar licks. Hypnotised utilises the vocals of bassist and newest member Emma Richardson, her and Black Francis singing together for the entirety of the track is perfect sync. With changes in tempo and time signature, it’s easily one of the most interesting songs in the first half, and a definite highlight.

Johnny Good Man and Motoroller hit a similar chord both in sound and tempo, the pair being solid, catchy pop-rock with a hint of modern grunge. Oyster Beds is the first song since You’re So Impatient to hit a fully punk fervour and its greatly appreciated this late into the album. The burst of raw energy is then substituted for the mid-tempo Mercy Me, which then picks back up once again for the even more raucous Ernest Evans. The latter is punchy, energetic, and features some excellent throwback-style guitar playing. Kings of the Prairie is bright and bouncy acoustic-led tune that proves to be a late album highlight, before closer The Vegas Suite swoops in to provide one last distortion embellished soft-rock odyssey to conclude what is a solid late entry into The Pixies’ catalogue.

On the surface, The Night The Zombies Came is a continuation of what the band have been doing for the last couple years, but digging deeper it’s easy to see that – even this late into their career – they are still growing and improving. Every song is tight, the songwriting consistent and playing immaculate, and there are even a few moments that shine as some of the best the group has ever created. Fans will be delighted, and newbies may be surprised but understandably hooked.

Ryan Bulbeck

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.