Photo by Travis Shinn
In 1986, alternative rock titans Pixies erupted from the fertile underground of Boston’s music scene, formed by two college friends with a shared talent for conjuring edgy and dynamic soundscapes. Founding members Guitarist Joey Santiago, and songwriter Black Francis (Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV) first crossed paths in the dorm rooms of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The original lineup was rounded out by the steady bass and vocals of Kim Deal and the rhythmic backbone of David Lovering. The result birthed a sound as sharp as a switchblade, with the band’s early tracks laying the groundwork for the ’90s alternative rock revolution.
By ’93, the Pixies had disbanded in a dramatic fashion akin to a soap opera, only to make a raw, powerful return in 2004 with Paz Lenchantin stepping into Deal’s role. Fast forward to today, and the Pixies are back again, now featuring Emma Richardson of Band of Skulls fame on bass, injecting fresh life into their legendary sound.
Today, Pixies have announced their forthcoming new album, The Night the Zombies Came, which will be released on October 25 via BMG. Accompanying this announcement is their new single, “Chicken,” a plodding, dirge-like track that explores themes of helplessness and confusion. The lyrics liken the song’s protagonist to a chicken, aimlessly pecking, only to meet a sudden, violent end. The desperation in the vocals is palpable, painting a bleak yet honest picture of the human condition.
The slow, bluesy groove of “Chicken” feels like a lost David Lynch number with a touch of late Beatles magic—a divergence from their usual sound, yet unmistakably Pixies. The track retains their signature elements: unexpected key changes, raw emotion, and a hint of the surreal, woven seamlessly into a new musical fabric. This fresh twist reaffirms that even the most established acts can still surprise, adding another layer to their rich repertoire.
Watch the lyric video below, directed and designed by Michael Speed and Ozgur Gorgun.
Pixies have reunited with producer Tom Dalgety, known for his work on their previous albums Head Carrier, Beneath the Eyrie, and Doggerel. With Dalgety at the helm, the sessions promise to deliver the unmistakable Pixies punch, blending their raw energy with new influences. The result is an album that honors their storied past while venturing into new sonic territories, proving that even decades later, the Pixies still have plenty of fire in their souls.
TRACKLIST:
Pre-order The Night The Zombies Came here.
Pixies are currently on a massive tour featuring Modest Mouse and Cat Power. The tour will make stops across Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Check out their full tour itinerary of Pixies dates below.
Meanwhile, Frank Black is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his acclaimed solo album “Teenager of the Year” with a reissue and a tour. The tour, starting on January 15, 2025, in San Francisco, will include 11 stops across the US and Canada before heading to Europe, with dates in Paris and London. The reissue, set to be released by 4AD later this year, features remastered tracks from the original album. The tour will see Frank Black performing with original band members Eric Feldman, Lyle Workman, and Nick Vincent. Tickets are available now.
You can read more here.
Pixies Upcoming Tour Dates:
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