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“I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it” Is what Kurt Cobain said about writing Smells Like Teen Spirit. Their soft and quiet then loud and hard dynamic clearly influenced the biggest bands of the 90’s, and their 4AD output produced at least 4 of the most important albums ever in Surfa Rosa, Doolittle, Bossanova and Trompe le Monde.
All of those were well represented across a frenetic 28-song set that from start to finish was one big highlight.
With barely a nod to the audience on taking the stage Black Francis, Joey Santiago, David Lovering and newest member Emma Richardson got their heads down and got to work curating a memorable set that instantly became one of those unforgettable nights that the Piece Hall is quickly becoming famous for.
Even with the omission of the likes of Gigantic it was a stunning set. Hey, Debaser, Monkey Gone to Heaven and 2 versions of Wave of Mutilation made everyone happy. Their off-kilter melodies and Francis’ iconic vocals are finely crafted earworms and none more than the brilliant Here Comes Your Man – which he particularly seemed to enjoy.
The 2 tracks from upcoming album The Night the Zombies Came both sounded promising and 3 covers including a Jesus and Mary Chain, and a Neil Young cover filled out the bumper set. Without a word uttered and a brief bow as they exited the stage that was it. The Pixies had been and gone, and it had been absolutely incredible.
Seeing the flying P logo lit up at the back of the stage was a surreal moment but is indicative of the type of legendary bands that Halifax is now attracting.
With this year’s season soon coming to an end it will be interesting to see who is booked for next year’s shows. Based on seeing the legendary Pixies there it will take some beating.
