Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Pixies' The Night The Zombies Came marks their tenth studio album and continues their resurgence with a fiery new direction. This release is a vibrant mosaic of eclectic influences, from Druidism and medieval themes to apocalyptic malls and gargoyles. The album, produced by Tom Dalgety, blends cinematic ambition with a diverse sonic palette. The tracks divide into two distinct camps: the country-tinged 'Dust Bowl Songs' like 'Primrose' and 'Mercy Me', and the intense punk anthems such as 'You're So Impatient' and 'Oyster Beds'. Notable is the single 'Chicken', showcasing the band's signature surrealism. With the addition of new bassist Emma Richardson from Band Of Skulls, and an expanded role for guitarist Joey Santiago, who contributed lyrics to 'Hypnotised' using a sestina form, the album explores new creative depths. The Night The Zombies Came reaffirms Pixies' enduring creativity and versatility, delivering a dynamic and imaginative collection that bridges past influences with a forward-looking vision.

Review: Pixies return with The Night The Zombies Came, their tenth album, marking 35 years since Doolittle cemented their place in alternative rock history. Building on the momentum of their 2022 album Doggerel, the band deliver 13 new tracks that prove to be among the most cinematic soundscapes of their career. The album weaves together eclectic themes like Druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls and medieval-themed restaurants. Black Francis, the band's primary songwriter, describes the album as a series of fragmented narratives that come together to form a kind of movie. The Pixies' trademark blend of surreal lyrics and dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" song structures remain intact, yet the new material explores fresh, imaginative territories. Having influenced iconic bands like Nirvana, Radiohead and Weezer, Pixies have long been a cornerstone of alternative rock and now, with Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls) joining as bassist after Paz Lenchantin's departure, they continue to evolve while maintaining their distinctive edge.

Review: Some 35 years after their platinum-certified album Doolittle launched them into the UK Top Ten, and 20 years since their acclaimed Coachella reunion, Pixies are thriving in their second act. Their tenth album, The Night The Zombies Came following the 1987 mini-LP Come On Pilgrim marks their first new release since 2022's Doggerel. The album features thirteen new tracks that showcase a cinematic direction and draw on themes such as druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls, medieval restaurants, 12th-century poetry, surf rock, gargoyles, and bog people. It also incorporates the distinctive dry drum sound reminiscent of 1970s Fleetwood Mac.

Review: Produced by David Holmes, who last worked with the band on 2013's More Light, the 11-track album represents a fresh chapter for the Scottish rock veterans, as well as their first new material in eight years. Bobby Gillespie is reportedly approached this record differently, crafting lyrics before music for the first time and relying on an acoustic guitar during the songwriting process. Gillespie describes the album as a reflection on conflictiboth internal and externalitinged with compassion. The title, a Glaswegian term, embodies the fierce and confident spirit of Glasgow, suggesting a defiant stance against adversity. The album's lead single, 'Love Insurrection,' previews this audacious energy. Come Ahead is the band's first release since the death of Martin Duffy in 2022. Duffy, a longtime collaborator, had contributed to every album since Screamadelica, though he had become estranged from the band over a rights dispute. Primal Scream, originally formed in 1982 by Gillespie and Jim Beattie, have continuously evolved from their indie pop roots into psychedelic, garage rock, dance music and then rock 'n' roll, making Come Ahead a compelling addition to their diverse discography.

Review: Primal Scream's first new album in eight years, via BMG, following 2016's Chaosmosis, featuring the lead single 'Love Insurrection' which is currently doing the rounds. It's produced by David Holmes and includes cover art by Jim Lambie. The recording process began in 2019, with Bobby Gillespie initially crafting lyrics solo on an acoustic guitar. Encouraged by producer Holmes, the band recorded across Belfast, London and Los Angeles. Gillespie describes the album as embodying a theme of conflict and resilience, inspired by the Glaswegian term "come ahead," which signifies a defiant spirit. The album marks Primal Scream's first release since the passing of longtime member Martin Duffy in 2022. Come Ahead promises to blend the band's trademark evolution with fresh, bold sounds.

Review: Hailing from The Gret White North's Toronto, PUP (Pathetic Use of Potential) are your favourite current punk band's favourite current punk band. Originally formed in 2010, the past decade and a half has seen the group deliver one consistent album of bangers after the next, with their new fifth full-length Who Will Look After The Dogs? arriving three years on from 2022's The Unraveling Of PUPTheBand, proving that prior titular statement to be mistaken information. Expanding their sonics as far as their musical palettes, the LP showcases the debaucherous yet earnest Canadian troubadours pulling simultaneously from both more radio-centric college rock as well as more intense hardcore this time around, while modern punk legend (and once Bomb The Music Industry lynchpin) Jeff Rosenstock makes a standout appearance on the latest single 'Get Dumber'. Gritty, melodic, and sincere, all within the same breath (or verse), it's a tough year for any punk band to compete whenever PUP rear their grimy head.

Review: Toronto's PUP are your favourite modern punk band's favourite modern punk band. Over the past decade, they've delivered one consistent album of bangers after the next, and now they return three years on from 2022's The Unraveling Of PUPTheBand to prove that title as mistaken information. Who Will Look After The Dogs? serves as the fifth full-length from the debaucherous yet heartfelt Canadians, stretching their sonics as far as their palettes, pulling from both more radio-centric college rock and simultaneously much heavier hardcore this time around, while once Bomb The Music Industry lynchpin and nowadays punk rock troubadour legend Jeff Rosenstock makes an appearance on latest single 'Get Dumber'. Not so much the "Pathetic Use of Potential" that PUP still claim to be.