All genres charts

Review: Pixies return with The Night The Zombies Came, their tenth album, marking 35 years since Doolittle cemented their place in alternative rock history. Building on the momentum of their 2022 album Doggerel, the band deliver 13 new tracks that prove to be among the most cinematic soundscapes of their career. The album weaves together eclectic themes like Druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls and medieval-themed restaurants. Black Francis, the band's primary songwriter, describes the album as a series of fragmented narratives that come together to form a kind of movie. The Pixies' trademark blend of surreal lyrics and dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" song structures remain intact, yet the new material explores fresh, imaginative territories. Having influenced iconic bands like Nirvana, Radiohead and Weezer, Pixies have long been a cornerstone of alternative rock and now, with Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls) joining as bassist after Paz Lenchantin's departure, they continue to evolve while maintaining their distinctive edge.

Review: Pixies' The Night The Zombies Came marks their tenth studio album and continues their resurgence with a fiery new direction. This release is a vibrant mosaic of eclectic influences, from Druidism and medieval themes to apocalyptic malls and gargoyles. The album, produced by Tom Dalgety, blends cinematic ambition with a diverse sonic palette. The tracks divide into two distinct camps: the country-tinged 'Dust Bowl Songs' like 'Primrose' and 'Mercy Me', and the intense punk anthems such as 'You're So Impatient' and 'Oyster Beds'. Notable is the single 'Chicken', showcasing the band's signature surrealism. With the addition of new bassist Emma Richardson from Band Of Skulls, and an expanded role for guitarist Joey Santiago, who contributed lyrics to 'Hypnotised' using a sestina form, the album explores new creative depths. The Night The Zombies Came reaffirms Pixies' enduring creativity and versatility, delivering a dynamic and imaginative collection that bridges past influences with a forward-looking vision.

Review: Some 35 years after their platinum-certified album Doolittle launched them into the UK Top Ten, and 20 years since their acclaimed Coachella reunion, Pixies are thriving in their second act. Their tenth album, The Night The Zombies Came following the 1987 mini-LP Come On Pilgrim marks their first new release since 2022's Doggerel. The album features thirteen new tracks that showcase a cinematic direction and draw on themes such as druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls, medieval restaurants, 12th-century poetry, surf rock, gargoyles, and bog people. It also incorporates the distinctive dry drum sound reminiscent of 1970s Fleetwood Mac.