Pixies / Fews. Newcastle. 03.12.16.

Pixies / Fews.
Newcastle Academy. 03.12.16.

What's normally a one hour drive to Newcastle for me tonight took at least 40 minutes longer and most of that last 40 minutes was spent crawling into a packed out Newcastle city centre. The place was heaving and judging by the way people were dressed it was party city rather than early evening Christmas shoppers.

Surprisingly we found a free car parking space quickly (the advantages of having a very small car) and made our way to the Academy. 

Fews were already on stage and it's a good job because I'm immediately hooked and this takes away some of the shock at having to pay over a fiver for a pint of bog standard cider. Fews own the stage and within minutes I know that I'm going to buy their debut album, 'Means', after the gig rather than a Pixies mug or tshirt.

If you like Interpol, PiL, The Feelies then you'll like Fews.

I'll admit I'd never heard of them before tonight so talking about their set list isn't going to happen. As far as I'm aware they only formed a few years ago, have released 4 singles (all on their debut album). Relentless, post-punk with a mesmerising beat is my way of describing them. Keep a look out for them and go see them if you can. I think they'll be around for a while.

Pixies do what the Pixies do. From the opening notes of their opening song the whole place is bouncing. Latest album Head Carrier is well represented and so is their back catalogue. Paz Lenchantin, the now permanent bass player, fits perfectly into the slot originally occupied by Kim Deal.

Um Chagga Lagga, the single from Head Carrier came early. Together with Gouge Away and Monkey Gone To Heaven it formed the first three songs of the set. Classic Masher, Talent, Baal's Back, All I Think About Now plus others are all played from the new album.  Bone Machine, Wave of Mutilation and Where Is My Mind? keep anyone who only knows the old songs happy. Debaser sends the whole place wild.

Pixies eventually disappear in a cloud of smoke. Literally. The venue fills with so much dry ice you can’t see the band. But you can still hear them. It’s a great end to a great gig.

All photos taken from at least 20 rows back with a cheapo compact camera. 

Lead single Um Chagga Lagga, just two songs in, was sandwiched between classics Gouge Away and Monkey Gone To Heaven, demonstrating the unshakeable confidence Francis has in his new work. It wasn't misplaced, as Classic Masher, Talent, Baal's Back and All I Think About Now (featuring Paz on lead vocals) sat comfortably alongside old favourites like Bone Machine, Wave of Mutilation and Where Is My Mind?

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/whats-on/music/review-pixies-o2-academy-newcastle-1-8273426

Lead single Um Chagga Lagga, just two songs in, was sandwiched between classics Gouge Away and Monkey Gone To Heaven, demonstrating the unshakeable confidence Francis has in his new work. It wasn't misplaced, as Classic Masher, Talent, Baal's Back and All I Think About Now (featuring Paz on lead vocals) sat comfortably alongside old favourites like Bone Machine, Wave of Mutilation and Where Is My Mind?

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/whats-on/music/review-pixies-o2-academy-newcastle-1-8273426