Chicken is the man who cannot move away from the once-popular sound. But try as they might in their courageous new scope, Pixies just has not clicked with a brilliant new swing. This is not for lack of trying and the releases following their reunion over a decade ago have been a mixed bag. Chicken feels like a strong attempt at not recapturing former glories or feelings but moving on with a new and articulate sound. Not just great fun but likely the best Pixies song this decade. It rivals some of their best works, the begging and thriving in the forests of the world, it all amounts to some new riotous flavour for upcoming album The Night the Zombies Came. One of the finest moments of this reunion, make no mistake about it. A considered effort which has the pangs of reflection but the onward crawl of a band with more to prove.
With new members comes a new sound and with a fresh momentum behind them is a chance to create without the hang-ups of the past. Where it may plague other releases from Pixies on this album cycle, Chicken manages to maintain a wholly fresh outlook, an inspired moment from each member. From the putdown of Frank Black who begs for an end to the popularity of their earlier works, to feeling a desire for something new to the sharp bass-playing skills of latest member Emma Richardson, it comes together brilliantly. All those harsh words are put to the backdrop of a swift and liberating sound, a strange optimism secured to the death of a lover and the ongoing search for new meaning on this upward trajectory. Chicken is a bold move from Pixies and an overwhelming piece of work, one of the best pieces of writing Black has put out there.
The movements of a headless chicken have never sounded so powerful. Black finds himself at the end of the road, now roaming with no direction. Instrumental qualities guide him back to the trodden path. Joey Santiago does well not to overwhelm the latter half of the song and instead heads for the high notes, riffing softly, tenderly and in line with the heartbreak at the core of this song. Chicken is a necessary high point for a band who had gone all too long without one. Soft-spoken, sudden and filled with heart, this piece from Pixies is the best work they have put out in some time. Nicely mixed, no instrument outweighing another in matters of importance, all of it coming together as a forgiving but foreboding piece of work.
It slots right into the very best of their works. Chicken is a massive adrenalin shot for Pixies, who feel for the heartfelt grooves of openness, of honesty with their audience. The result is a charming piece of work which profiles new bassist Richardson well but also does well to linger on the longevity of the band. A jolt of truth and experience pours through Chicken, a welcome return to form for a band never quite grasping their strengths on recent releases. By the sound of the other singles, it is a problem which will continue, but enjoy it while you can. Pixies have found new ground to stand in, to experience the latter stages of their release cycle. Frankly bold in its openness, Black and the gang have fuel in the tank yet – but are using it sparingly for brilliant pieces like Chicken.
