For the first time in 20 years (aside from 2004 single "Bam Thwok"), the Pixies are releasing new material. They appeared last on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and performed "Bagboy" (they also played a web-exclusive version of "Indie Cindy"), which the band released in June.
Black Francis, 48, looked happy to be showcasing new music, and his talk-singing is as good as ever, especially during the bizarre styling of the refrain. "Bagboy" has a barebones, gritty sound that makes grunge feel relevant again.
Kim Deal announced her departure from the Pixies in June, so touring bassist Kim Shattuck (the Muffs) joined the band for the show and sang the chorus.
Earlier this month, the group released "EP-1"online through its website. The four-track EP includes "Indie Cindy," "Andro Queen," "Another Toe In The Ocean" and "What Goes Boom."
A second four-track sampling, "EP-2," is scheduled to drop in November. More releases are expected, but the band has not revealed how many.
According to The New York Times, the band is no longer on any label and controls its businesses autonomously using online marketing. The band told them that the "album" is a tired format with not much application for today's music industry.
The band is scheduled to play four sold-out shows this week starting tonight at the Bowery Ballroom. The band stays at the ballroom tomorrow night as well with Thursday's show taking place at the Music Hall of Williamsburg and Friday's show back at Bowery Ballroom.
Listen to the Pixies perform "Bagboy" and "Indie Cindy" here, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
