Narc. Magazine Online
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Matt Young discovers a mature release riffing on zombies, the occult, mundanity and surrealism
BMG
Released: 25.10.24
Following their initial acrimonious split and then reformation 20 years ago Pixies have seen their cult-like adoration translate into huge shows and new albums, albeit with a rotating door policy on bass players following the final departure of Kim Deal in 2013. Interim albums have often divided opinion, so how’s The Night The Zombies Came?
Well, they riff on expected themes: zombies, the sea, the occult, death, mundanity and surrealism. Powerhouse drumming, steady bass rhythms and vocal cooing, sparse jangling guitars are all present. But many songs feel depleted of lyrical or vocal energy. The once resplendent howls and jerky excitement is missing, except on Oyster Beds which is a punk blast from the past. The album builds from folky beginnings to a moderate, mature crescendo, but rarely soars.
