black francis

Nirvana, Radiohead, Modest Mouse and anyone who plugged in a guitar after 1987 all owe The Pixies.

The sound of The Pixies influenced alternative rock in the '90s. So surely their leader singer, Black Francis, would have something to say about how bands are rocking out today.

Bluefinger is Black Francis' answer to the over-produced, beat-driven rock of today. Hipsters beware: this may not be for you. While his answer is certainly rock 'n' roll it's also a little down home. If you're expecting classic Pixies you may be disappointed, though Pixies' fans should know better than to expect the predictable from Francis.

The album starts off fast-paced with the guitar heavy track, "Captain Pasty." It's here that we hear Francis' characteristic rough voice. Bluefinger's single "Threshold Apprehension" harks back to the days of vintage Pixies' records like Doolittle. "Apprehension" features crazed, intense, beats combined with the screaming vocals that characterize Francis' older style.

Black Francis shows that he has more rock in one song than most artists have in a single album. Luckily, Francis is aware that an album full of that much rock would be tiring, making his transition to a softer folk sound smart. The twang he puts in his voice shifts the album's feel from rock to rockabilly.

Uncle Tupelo, eat your heart out.

Songs such as "Lolita" showcase the Nashville sound Francis has developed over his last few albums. Instead of the yowling scream of late '80s angst, we hear a folk singer with a harmonica.

However, the flow of the album could use some work. Francis constantly and sloppily reminds us that we're listening to rock-often switching back and forth between hard and soft sounds. One moment Francis is rocking out, the next he's singing the blues.