Could a new Pixies classic be on the way? Joey Santiago wants to get into that ‘frame of mind’

If someone were to inquire about Joey Santiago and the Pixies from a generation ago, you’d find that descriptions might vary. In a 1991 report by The Times, the band was described as making a grand entrance at the Hollywood Palladium one December night, following the release of their latest album “Trompe Le Monde,” in a rather dramatic style.

In his review, Steve Hochman noted that The Pixies, with David Lovering’s powerful drumming and Kim Deal’s deep bass lines at their foundation, along with Joey Santiago’s guitar sounds distorted to perfection, have turned into a fantastic live act. They often come close to delivering the same sonic pleasure experienced from their albums during performances.

He also mentioned, “It’s essential that the mix of melodies, lyrics, and other sounds resonate with people.” Furthermore, he emphasized, “There is often more depth to many Pixies songs than just that.

Initially, it existed, and still does. However, regretfully for supporters of the Boston quartet, “Trompe Le Monde” turned out to be their final album. This was followed by the band’s unexpected disbandment merely two years later, or so it seemed at the time.

Surprisingly, over a decade since they disbanded, the band reunited, with Kim Deal being replaced by Emma Richardson. This led to a reunion tour that had them performing at both Coachella and Lollapalooza, causing immense excitement among fans. However, another long wait of 10 years passed before their fifth studio album, “Indie City,” was released in 2014.

Thirty-four years after their initial performance, the band is set to return to the Palladium on June 20th and 21st. On the first day, they’ll reprise their entire album “Trompe Le Monde”, a repeat of their debut performance at this venue.

Santiago finds the album fantastic since it includes tunes seldom played by them, which means they’ll be bringing them back into regular use again, thereby expanding their selection.

He chuckles as he points out, “The main issue seems to be changing guitars frequently.

He seems relaxed in what looks like a work area. Perched on his head is a hat that’s green and white, with “LA” neatly stitched onto it. He sports a long, white beard, which fits well for the 60-year-old dad of two kids.

In the ’90s, it was just as common for bandmates Frank Black and Dave Lovering to have children, much like many other notable figures of that time.

During our third year before the split, touring had become incredibly draining, as Santiago explains over Zoom,” he said. “Regardless of age, it’s exhausting… Even my children, who joined me for just three days in the same timezone, felt drained.

In his opinion, staying current with fresh tunes is essential for maintaining pace amidst touring and releasing albums.

“You gotta feed the kitty or whatever,” he jokes.

As a movie critic, I find unearthing fresh tunes to be an essential aspect of my creative process – akin to sifting through reels in search of the next blockbuster. Recently, I’ve been tuning into Wet Leg radio quite often: it’s innovative, it’s invigorating, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint!

In the case of their recent output, including the October 2024 launch of “The Night the Zombies Came,” freedom has been a significant element. Unlike typical post-split albums, this project afforded Santiago greater creative leeway while recording. This is evident in his extended solos and additional guitar work, which he describes as reminiscent of his childhood playing style.

He mentions that, if he were still in the stage of middle or high school, that’s exactly what he would do. Essentially, it’s that type of action.

Nevertheless, fans continue to express dissatisfaction with the band’s musical direction following their reunion, worried that they might not recapture the sound that catapulted them to stardom on albums such as “Surfer Rosa” and “Doolittle”. It seems they find themselves in a challenging position, aiming to innovate while simultaneously drawing inspiration from their past.

“It does sound different, and hey, we’re different people,” Santiago says.

He appears unfazed by the situation, acknowledging that he’s working to regain the mental state evident in his previous albums. “We all need to be aligned,” he stated.

In a larger perspective, he notes that we’re in a no-win situation: if we choose to be unique, criticism will come our way. And if we try to replicate what we’ve done before, the same criticism follows.

In my perspective as a moviegoer reviewing their musical journey, this iconic rock band intends to carry on doing what they’ve excelled at all along – creating timeless rock tunes. They seem content with their niche and aren’t inclined towards drastic genre shifts, choosing instead to stay true to their roots.

When it comes to their sound, they’re akin to the classic Buddy Holly setup, but every now and then, they add an intriguing dash of keyboards for a refreshing twist. They’re not swayed by industry trends and remain steadfast in their musical identity.

Should you be looking for some guitar tunes, there are several groups who can cater to that, and we happen to be among them,” he points out.

Maybe this method is the reason they’ve managed to keep their initial followers while also resonating with newer generations. It could also be attributed to social media, where popular songs like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” are shared extensively across multiple platforms. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning the impact of that final scene in “Fight Club.

“It feels good,” Santiago says. “We’re lucky.”

His alter ego has become so contagious that he can’t comfortably hide it at home anymore.

He explains that his children are now understanding his actions, as indicated by his smile. Two years ago, they began trying to figure out what he was up to, he adds.

At their current stage in life, they’ll visit new places and discover the band called the Pixies. Their peers might remark, ‘hey, haven’t you listened to the Pixies? They’re fantastic.’ Teachers and parents alike are recommending the Pixies. As a result, they’ve become aware of them and enjoy their music.

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2025-06-18 22:01