Pixies made a quick pitstop in inner Melbourne for an intimate gig within an expansive arena tour with the legendary grunge band Pearl Jam.
The gig, at The Croxton Bandroom (15 November), was announced just a week prior to the show, and sold out within minutes.Nestled in the heart of Northcote, The Croxton was the perfect choice for the band as the classic pub vibes created a time machine back to the Pixie's prime; fans stood wall-to-wall, a seething mass in anticipation the band's arrival onstage.
The chatter died down as an ambient synth line pervaded the darkness, with sections of lyrics from their songs strung together and blared out; a stark and captivating introduction to the band who launched straight into their classic 'Dig For Fire'.
Image © Dante Griffith
Lead singer Black Francis's distinct vocals transcended the acoustic onslaught, his plaintive tone matched by his clear acoustic guitar, with the crunchy lead section by guitarist Joey Santiago topping off this classic opener perfectly.
Pixies delivered a set full of classics from 'Doolittle' to 'Surfer Rosa' albums, and played a large chunk of their most recent album 'The Night The Zombies Came'. Tracks like 'Hey' and 'Here Comes Your Man' had audience members roaring lyrics back to the band, giddy with nostalgia and excitement.
In between songs Francis said very little to the audience, focused instead on delivering a giant 27-song set list that allowed the band very little down-time between tracks. Yet Francis held steady eye contact with the audience throughout the whole show – his role of connecting the band and the sea of fans was something to behold.
Image © Dante Griffith
A band with the iconic status of an indie mega-band such as Pixies command, can drive a wedge between fans old and new. Yet the Pixies' connection to the fans felt deeply woven and tightly held – a far cry from many bands touring after nearly 40 years.
Pixies were raw and emotional throughout the show, and their lack of stage theatrics gave their music the room it needed to shine through without any gimmicks.
The night was cocooned in a veil of grit and sweat that recalled the band's heyday, and the sense of almost melancholic nostalgia that lingered in the air overwhelmed fans new and old, proving this energy is generated more from the music than any tales of yore. For newer fans, experiencing a band that has been a figure of teenage angst and love was a peak experience.
Image © Dante Griffith
Sonically, Pixies continue to thrive in their soft verses and huge choruses that switch between explosive noise and infectious melodies, while still maintaining a flowing rhythm. This is impressive for any stage act, yet few ageing bands have maintained their technical skill to the degree the Pixies have with such apparent ease.
After nearly four decades of relentless artistic passion, Pixies brought a live set that is a testament to their undying passion and skill, and it's this continuous thread that allows them to sell out huge venues while not forgetting the small pub circuits from whence they came.
Although Pixies have almost ended their tour in Australia, if you get the chance to experience these rock legends at any point in your life, I can't recommend it enough.
- written by Dante Griffith
More photos from the concert.
