An excited album that can change at the drop of a hat

Through the decades, Pixies has delivered time and time again.  They bring a gift to fans with their latest release, Doggerel.  The album is a non-stop ride that can change direction at the drop of a hat.

The group formed all the way back in 1986 and went strong until 1993, when they decided to call it quits and disband.  Luckily for fans the group found their way back in 2004 and they continued on creating.  Current members are Black Francis, Joey Santiago, David Lovering, and Paz Lenchantin.  Doggerel comes in as the band’s 8th studio album, following behind their 2019 release Beneath the Eyrie.

Kicking off the record is the single “Nomatterday.”  The track is a delicious mixture of punk and alt-rock, with a mix in of grunge.  Midway through the song takes a turn almost for a moment making the listener think that the song changed.  Leaving the grunge aspect behind it turns into an outright punk rock track.  The structure and even the vocals change to something different.

Bringing an acoustic earthy tone, “Vault of Heaven” comes in with a country rock sound that could perfectly fit in a modern western.  Compared to “Nomatterday” the tracks sound like they are from two different albums, however the juxtaposition of the two tracks adds an exciting flavor to the album.

“Dregs of the Wine” brings back the punk rock and alt-rock elements.  This is the first track also that was co-written with guitarist Joey Santiago.  This does come as the album’s third single really offering different flavors this album has to offer.  The song starts eerie and simple, again in the midway point shifting and it brings in a thrashing chaos.  Like the other tracks on the album, “Dregs of the Wine” keeps the listener on their toes not knowing what to expect.

The title track “Doggerel” closes out the album.  This closing track features a very 90s flat bass line that greets the ears right from the top.  The track is wonderfully simple and sweet with moments of grit coming through in the leads.  It definitely reminisces of a ’90s alt-rock with a new modern-day twist within the solos that fade out in the end.

The Pixies truly deliver a fun and exciting album with their release Doggerel.  Each track keeps listeners on their toes not knowing what to expect.