PIXIES

Olympia Theatre, Dublin Wed Thurs 8pm 54.80/44.20 0818-719300

We’d like to think that there is another American band with the same – or even similar – abrasive melodic power of Pixies, but to be honest we’re stumped. When they first came to notice in or around 1987/88, their “quiet-loud” techniques (quiet verses followed by loud and jagged choruses, for those who require clarification) were viewed with arched eyebrows, but come the arrival of Surfer Rosa (1988) and Doolittle (1989) it became obvious that their time had come.

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain would readily admit that without Pixies, his band would not have sounded they way they did (Smells Like Teen Spirit, for instance, is rip-off Pixies par excellence).

Back on the tour treadmill again, following a previous reunion several years ago, this time out the band will be playing Doolittle – widely regarded as a classic – in its entirety, which is surely enough to send any of their diehard fans into raptures.

Can't see that? Catch this

Health, Thursday, Dublin.