The Night the Zombies Came

by 
AlbumOct 25 / 202413 songs, 39m 54s
Indie Rock Alternative Rock
Popular

Druids. Headless chickens. Drinking. These are just some of the topics fearless Pixies leader Black Francis sings about on the band’s ninth album (and fifth since re-forming sans Kim Deal). But the overarching theme, if there is one, is right there in the title: zombies. Both the *Night of the Living Dead* variety (“Jane \[The Night the Zombies Came\]”) and the *Dawn of the Dead* shopping mall variety (“You’re So Impatient”) make an appearance, as do zombie movies themselves (“Chicken”). Not that it’s a concept album or anything—the driving punk of “Oyster Beds” references Black Francis’ painting hobby, while “Johnny Good Man,” “Ernest Evans,” and “Kings of the Prairie” offer snapshots of life on the road. Elsewhere, guitarist Joey Santiago takes a lyrical bow with “Hypnotised,” a clever pop tune written in a Middle Ages poetic form called the sestina, and new bassist Emma Richardson (ex-Band of Skulls) lends her instrumental talents and understated backing vocals to tracks like “Motoroller,” which bounces like a *Doolittle*-era classic.

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5 / 10

When the distortion is flowing like beer on V-E Day, The Night the Zombies Came proves to be a modest party record, beneath the fat.

It’s when the pattern deviates somewhat from the expected that it’s most exciting.

8 / 10

A band forming at college is a tale as old as time. Interpol, Talking Heads, Death Cab for Cutie - the list goes on. It makes sense: Holden Caulfields

Black Francis and co. thrill on first LP with Band Of Skulls bassist Emma Richardson. Read MOJO's review and the tracklisting in full.

The Boston band’s slide towards mediocrity continues, with the high point a song about a headless chicken

With ‘The Night the Zombies Came,’ the Pixies have reconciled their past and are determined to forge a new direction.

7 / 10

Pixies' latest LP, featuring new bass player Emma Richardson, is another solid but not earth-shattering effort. It's clever, if not cute, with a charming theme.

75 %

Album Reviews: Pixies - The Night The Zombies Came

The brilliant singer songwriter may retire to be present for her daughter – it would be a huge loss to music. Plus: Razorlight and Pixies

Quirky Indie with a Halloween twist from legends of the genre Pixies. Review by Ellie Roberts.

6 / 10