Much of The Pixies’appeal depended on Santiago’s explosive, expressive guitar-playing. It’s put to good use here, too. With Linda Mallari’s soaring voice (think a less mewling Natalie Merchant), the pair have concocted a snappy, tuneful set of streamlined power pop, cheerleader doo-wop and girl-group stomp. Inevitably, there are mischievous nods to The Pixies (“You Are The One”steals from “Wave Of Mutilation”), but this is more frothy fun than amp-blowing heaviness.
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