All the ingredients for a Pixies album are present on Beneath the Eyrie: somewhat bizarre lyrics, jarring instrumentals and delicate harmonies from the female bassist — yet there's something missing.
Strictly instrumentally, Beneath the Eyrie has some of the Pixies' most polished work, evident in "On Graveyard Hill" and album opener "In the Arms of Mrs. Mark of Cain." On her second album recording with Pixies, Paz Lenchantin's bass lines are a notable highlight throughout the album and are worth focusing on.
There's a fiery spark in "St. Nazaire" that is reminiscent of "Velouria," but otherwise, Black Francis's vocals lack the hurrying conviction that Pixies are known for. Black Francis sings more carefully, which does work well in the slow ballad "Daniel Boone."
Fans of the Pixies' previous works who enjoy the more jarring songs like "Vamos" will probably be disappointed that Beneath the Eyrie is too soft rock, while fans of "Here Comes Your Man" will probably be disappointed that the album doesn't quite have enough pop appeal.
Overall, the Pixies' seventh album is palatable — the songs are generally likeable — but it lacks excitement.
(Infectious)Strictly instrumentally, Beneath the Eyrie has some of the Pixies' most polished work, evident in "On Graveyard Hill" and album opener "In the Arms of Mrs. Mark of Cain." On her second album recording with Pixies, Paz Lenchantin's bass lines are a notable highlight throughout the album and are worth focusing on.
There's a fiery spark in "St. Nazaire" that is reminiscent of "Velouria," but otherwise, Black Francis's vocals lack the hurrying conviction that Pixies are known for. Black Francis sings more carefully, which does work well in the slow ballad "Daniel Boone."
Fans of the Pixies' previous works who enjoy the more jarring songs like "Vamos" will probably be disappointed that Beneath the Eyrie is too soft rock, while fans of "Here Comes Your Man" will probably be disappointed that the album doesn't quite have enough pop appeal.
Overall, the Pixies' seventh album is palatable — the songs are generally likeable — but it lacks excitement.