EP2
by Pixies
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. The Quietus
    Jan 16, 2014
    80
    Recorded last October, and with producer Gil Norton (who produced the band's final three albums) back at the helm, EP2 immediately delivers.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 16, 2014
    80
    Only a smidgeon less euphoric than ‘EP-1’, EP-2 is another brief broadside that further justifies Pixies’ drip-drip release plan, keeping their ten-year-tour on the road and the intrigue of their new material relentlessly fresh.
  3. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jan 27, 2014
    70
    With EP2 having a three-month buffer after the first, we've had time to get used to fact that the Pixies are back in full force. Plus, these four songs are stronger than the first four.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 16, 2014
    70
    Following on from last year's EP1, this a tougher, leaner Pixies than that of their classic era, missing some of the ramshackle charm on which their most well known work floated.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 16, 2014
    70
    With the good comes the average and with it the great.
  7. AllMusic
    Jan 16, 2014
    70
    Calling EP2 "serviceable" might be a little harsh; instead, its best moments suggest that the Pixies are settling into writing songs that sound comfortable next to the classics and don't try too hard to reclaim the magic of the band's early years.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. Ricko
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    First let me say, I'm very enthusiastic about the bands recent output and think its great we have new material to get into. The band areFirst let me say, I'm very enthusiastic about the bands recent output and think its great we have new material to get into. The band are showing the balls they've always had in releasing new stuff and ploughing ahead regardless of what the critics say. They've earned the right to do this.

    A step above EP1, EP2 is generally a heavier affair. "Blued Eyed Hex" starts things off sounding more like AC/DC than Pixies. Black Francis lets the vocal chords rip here and while not a bad song, it all seems a bit out of place for the band. Next we have "Magdalena", one of the highlights of Pixies more recent output. Sounding like something from Bossanova, its got that spacey vibe with a great guitar line chugging away underneath. "Greens and Blues" is straightforward pop, a pleasant, inoffensive track which is lifted and given a whole new dimension through Joey Santiago's guitar work. Finally we have "Snakes", which is what I have come to expect from the band these days, dark, melodic, heavy on the guitar work, the bass more in the background than before - there is a great contrast between the verses and choruses, not in terms of sound but in terms of mood. Overall, a solid EP which contains some of Indie Cindy's strongest tracks.    … Full Review »
  2. clinton79
    Mar 30, 2014
    9
    I'm sure there's a lot of people who don't like the new Pixies music. What do you expect? It's been 20 years, they're a different band.I'm sure there's a lot of people who don't like the new Pixies music. What do you expect? It's been 20 years, they're a different band.

    After that, I think it's easier for people to get into the Pixies new music than their classic albums. Especially as they roll out EPs. I realize they announced a full length album comprised of the 3 EPs they've made in the last several months, but I honestly don't think this type of recording/release should be given up on. I think every band should at least try releasing 12 songs over 3-4 EPs every 6 months or so instead of a 12 track LP every 2 years. I think it prevents bands from getting burned out in the studio and allows them to experiment more. A fan wouldn't have to wait so long between albums and if the band wanted to take their creativity in a different direction that the fans didn't like, they wouldn't have one LP that lost money over two years, they'd just have one bad EP and they could redeem themselves in six months (if they chose to, I mean, a band every right to do what they want, but they'd have their finger closer to the pulse of their fans for sure.) And with making several EPs, there's no more filler songs.

    That being said, all the tracks on EP-2 are wicked good. Just as good as EP-1. "Blue Eyed Hexe" is a pure rock anthem you'll probably be screaming the chorus of until you're hoarse. "Magdalena 318" is a melodic rock with sweeping guitars that sound like the bridge between the old Pixies and the sometimes Weezer-ish new Pixies. "Greens and Blues" and "Snakes" are that Weezer-ish new Pixies.

    I loved the old Pixies and I love the new Pixies. You really can't go wrong with this EP, it's fantastic.    … Full Review »
  3. TheMaximalist
    Feb 15, 2014
    9
    http://bit.ly/1d9Rqrf EP2 has an excellent balance of originality and nostalgia as well a combination of both. It makes me very excited forhttp://bit.ly/1d9Rqrf EP2 has an excellent balance of originality and nostalgia as well a combination of both. It makes me very excited for the follow up releases to this and 2014 for music as a whole.… Full Review »
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