Pixies are back touring with a new album and renewed vigor. But don’t bother consulting Setlist.fm since the band plans to break out a few rare morsels at every tour stop. September 15.
Doggerel is Pixies’ eighth and latest album, which came out last year in late September. And while Kim Deal is no longer with the band (she exited in 2013 and is currently touring with The Breeders), the album is proof that the band can produce a lively batch of new songs that stand up against their storied back catalog.
From the opening salvo of the lead track, “Matterday,” which parlays nicely into the album’s lead single, “Vault Of Heaven,” it’s obvious that Black Francis and company came to their last recording session prepared. And while tracks like “There’s A Moon On” may seemingly get lost in the shuffle being placed mid-record, the album functions like a complete meal if consumed in one sitting. Other standout tracks like “Haunted House” and “Thunder And Lightning” demand your attention as much as they showcase a band unwilling to rest on their laurels.
Expect to hear a couple of fan favorites, including (but certainly not limited to) “Where Is My Mind,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Here Comes Your Man,” “Hey,” “Bone Machine,” and “Wave of Mutilation” among other deeper cuts.
There’s a reason for Pixies’ staying power even after elongated hiatuses and that’s most likely why one hears hints of their songwriting from artists as far-reaching as Radiohead, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. Without a playbook, Pixies’ latest should fit in nicely live among their earliest late 80s output.
At present, Pixies remain Black Francis (lead vocals and guitar), David Lovering (drums), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), and new (er) bassist Paz Lenchantin, who became a full-fledged Pixie in 2016. Known for their “loudquietloud” signature sound, the quartet is finally winding down their ambitious tour, which started in 2022.
It’s been four years – five if you don’t count last year’s touring cycle – since Pixies last toured and, as luck would have it, Napa’s show in one of the last three dates of their US tour before heading overseas next March.
Modest Mouse and Cat Power round out this completely stacked bill.
Although the show is largely sold out, many resale tickets start at $148, top out at $450, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5 pm and the show starts promptly at 6 pm. All ages are welcome. The Oxbow RiverStage is located at 1268 McKinstry Street in Napa. It’s never too late to join the party.
(North Bay Boehmian)
