While it occasionally feels lacking in the kind of explosive energy that made the band such an impact in the late ‘80s, it still captures the spirit of Pixies in a way that’s extremely satisfying.
It’s weird that “better than nothing” became the bar for what was once one of the most celebrated bands of their era, but if it’s a choice between more records as solid, if unspectacular, as Beneath the Eyrie or nothing, the Pixies might as well keep them coming. It’s been a long time since this band had anything left to lose.
Too often, Beneath the Eyrie sounds like other artists, which is especially disappointing for a group like the Pixies, who have always been more trendsetters than followers.
While Beneath the Eyrie exhibits darker themes and often a slower, creeping pace than is typical of Pixies, it remains undeniably a PixiesWhile Beneath the Eyrie exhibits darker themes and often a slower, creeping pace than is typical of Pixies, it remains undeniably a Pixies record. Classic Pixies dynamics are featured on the album’s most radio-friendly, soft-loud rocker “Graveyard Hill,” the sardonic, folksy, stripped-down “Death Horizon,” and the surfer banger “St. Nazaire.” “This is My Fate” works a sinister, burlesque air for an intriguing detour. Paz Lenchantin shines throughout the record, with her bass-playing keeping the perfect tone and groove, and her vocal harmonies proving a key ingredient to filling out the tracks. Paz’s haunting vocals on “Los Surfers Muertos” are another highlight on the album. Beneath the Eyrie is fresh and interesting, demonstrating in many ways a band whose sound has appropriately aged and matured from their nihilistic, primal-scream moorings of the late 80s to a 2019 iteration that still works in surrealism, but in different shades, angles, and paces.…Expand
This album is pure Pixies. Fantastic, loud, inspired, impactful. I wake up everyday with a different song off the album stuck in my head.This album is pure Pixies. Fantastic, loud, inspired, impactful. I wake up everyday with a different song off the album stuck in my head. Catch them live if you can, one of the greatest live shows you can possibly see. Guitarist Joey Santiago is a genius. Crazy variety on this album.…Expand
In my opinion this is Pixies best album since Bossa Nova, and interestingly enough has a similar level of song variety that Bossa Nova has.In my opinion this is Pixies best album since Bossa Nova, and interestingly enough has a similar level of song variety that Bossa Nova has. There are rockers, ballads, haunting moody numbers, surf punk, and more. The album sounds fantastic. The mix is great. Paz' bass lines are driving and have exquisite tone. If you're a Pixies fan you'll love it. If you're a "no Pixies without Kim" troll, you're missing out. This album is dark thematically, but it gives nothing but joy. In true Pixies fashion the verses are discordant and build to true anthemic ear worms you can't shake. I can't say it's as trail blazing as their early work, but then again how could it be? They stick to what works for them and it's great. Long Rider and On Graveyard Hill are probably the most "Pixie's" like tracks on the cd and both rock, but equally refreshing are some of the odd tracks that cover new ground. Be sure to also check out the Pixies podcast that goes in depth on the band and the recording of the CD. It's awesome to listen to if you're a fan of the band or are interested what goes into the process of recording and album.…Expand
Decent effort from the Pixies. Best of the recent albums IMO. Big improvement on Head Carrier anyway. Some of the songs showing a bit ofDecent effort from the Pixies. Best of the recent albums IMO. Big improvement on Head Carrier anyway. Some of the songs showing a bit of personality, something that's been lacking. Loving Bird of Prey and This is my Fate for e.g. Has a more consistent (gothic) feel from start to finish and seems a conscious return to surf sound. Joey's guitar particularly. It's no Doolittle or Surfer Rosa but why should we expect it to be? Those days are gone.…Expand
The Pixies' 2019 album shows a newly inspired and focused take on the classic pixies sound. The new album does not sound like Doolittle orThe Pixies' 2019 album shows a newly inspired and focused take on the classic pixies sound. The new album does not sound like Doolittle or Surfer Rosa in the traditional sense, but rather takes the essential pixies sound and experiments with slower and more impactful instrumentation ranging from surf rock, spaghetti western, gothic and and a hint of psychedelic. Most songs here present a dRk undertone which are further strengthened by gritty guitar work and vocals which are pleasantly not too produced and clean. Overall most songs prove to be meaningfully relevant to the pixies historical discography and after three listens of the album, Beneath the Eyrie has proven to be well balanced, experimental, well-paced with just the right amount of balance to production and rawness. Worth a careful listen to any fan of of the pixies and alternative rock in general. 8/10…Expand
Not one to write reviews I feel compelled after the numerous industry reviews pouring lukewarm water on this album. Look at "Beneath theNot one to write reviews I feel compelled after the numerous industry reviews pouring lukewarm water on this album. Look at "Beneath the Eyrie" in isolation to their highpoint of the late 80s, early 90s and it's easily their best of their "modern" albums. Tracks of great variety, well constructed and they play well start to finish. They will never be the same but accept this for what it is people. Thank god their still playing music. Love it Pixies! Keep it up.…Expand
Beneath the Eyrie is one of the best albums the Pixies have given us. I’ve grown up with this band and this album proves that time bringsBeneath the Eyrie is one of the best albums the Pixies have given us. I’ve grown up with this band and this album proves that time brings wisdom. It’s an album created by legendary artists and true musicians not chart slaves.…Expand
