Pixies – Trompe Le Monde LP Vinyl Record
Trompe le Monde (“Fool the World”) is the fourth studio album by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released on September 23, 1991. This album was the last release proceeding their subsequent break-up 2 years later.
The songs on this album are just as raucous, catchy and narrative as ever but, in contrast to their previous work, darker while still retaining a humorous balance. Their youthful abrasiveness has been replaced with a more professional, stable studio sound and the album tributes timeless melodies while keeping with the quirkiness fans have come to expect from the band.
A portrait of a band at the height of their popularity and creative talent, it is clear that tensions are rising with a wall of combative sound exploding but somehow coming together in a choreographed chaos. The drums boldly shine in the hard rock songs but still keep a vigorous beat when called for and the lead guitar keeps the kooky familiarity of past.
Vocally, the album is diverse with screams and screeches filled with aggression making way for smooth, softened singing laying down surreal lyrics, making you feel as though you’re in the middle of a waking dream. Having been described by Michael Bonner, writing in Lime Lizard, as “one of the best albums that you may very well ever hear” and “a strong contender for best album of the 20th century”, Trompe le Monde sees the band go out in a sonic blaze of glory.
Staff Review:
Often overshadowed by albums like “Doolittle” and “Surfer Rosa,” the Pixies’ “Trompe Le Monde” is far from a dying bands pre-break-up album. Upon its release in 1991, the Pixies had already received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success and the world saw bands everywhere taking inspiration from their iconic alt rock sound.
“Trompe Le Monde” is confidently aggressive, while the album is overall polished, it still captures the rawness of Joey Santiago’s distorted guitars, David Lovering’s powerful drums and Black Francis’ explosive, screeching vocals. The lyrics are quirky and carefully thought out, they help fashion the bands signature, surreal listening experience.
The most noticeable shortcoming of the album is the clear movement of Black towards a solo career. The album is veryfocused on the frontman and my biggest gripe is the lack of Kim Deal. The bassist and backing vocalists roles are noticeably reduced and her sounds are often drowned out.
Overall, “Trompe Le Monde” may not have received the same attention as other works, however, it does have all of the charm. The lyrics are emotive and thought provoking and the band remains consistent with their sound. Though Deal’s work is often lost in the mix, this album still stands as one of the finest 90s rock and the Pixies have to offer.
8.5/10 – Handsome Will
























Reviews
There are no reviews yet.