Review and Photography by Robert Barrett

It’s been almost 20 years since Pixies reunion tour, and the band still show no signs of slowing down. A sold-out Forum greeted them on their third UK tour in as many years.

Support for the Birmingham show came in the form of Edinburgh based swim school, who travelled a long way to be on the bill with the American legends. But it was worth it, a cracking set showcasing the potential they possess won the crowd over.

Latest single “Delirious” with its sonic youth sound and lyrics biting back against the sexism brought on by sound engineers was a highlight, a band to keep an eye on going forward.

Pixies held no punches and opened the set with the timeless “Wave of Mutilation”, its opening riffs getting elated cheers from the crowd. The almost overcrowded room was sweltering in the heat, but Pixies being master of their craft were still able to get the people worked up into a mosh pit. At one point this was too much for the feeble front barrier, which had to be fixed whilst the band took a short break.

The band played for almost two hours, with a mighty setlist of 37 songs from all their albums. Classic tracks from ‘Doolittle” blended wonderfully with some of the new material from “Beneath the Eyrie” and “Doggerel”.

Not a band of many words, Black Francis thanked the crowd before launching into the eternal classic “Where is My Mind?”, which had the whole room singing along. Two hours and 37 songs later showed that they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.