Frank Black is Back

Yo Beat : Issue Nine : The Viva RutVegas Issue

Frank Black is Back

Dateline: Club Toast, Burlington VT

Story & Photos by Seth Butler

Frank Black (a.k.a.: Black Francis), the former front man of the infamous Pixies has returned from hiding. He has just finished a European tour, and embarked on a nationwide U.S. tour for the first time in years. He has cut two previous albums Frank Black (self titled), and Frank Black the Cult of Ray. This tour is introducing the album Frank Black & the Catholics which is a new project altogether. The Catholics are a whole new band, one that he has never made music with. He had a couple of unsung backup bands in previous releases. Now it seems they get a little credit. This U.S. tour will decide if the new album is to be released in the states. The Album is already out in Europe for all you suckers who will pay top dollar for "imported music".

If you can get your grubby little paws on this one, it will be worth your money. The performance that was given at Toast was one I won't forget. They even did a rendition of an old Pixies tune "Holiday Song" which surprised me, as he now tries to forget those days. I would like to think that said rendition was spurned by my referral to him as Black Francis in our brief conversation. That was his title during the wonder years of the Pixies (see album: Come on Pilgrim). The music seems more powerful than ever as far as Frank is concerned. Punk Rock rhythm, Rockabilly riffs and Sci-Fi solos. He is a multi-talented guitarist with speed rock likened to the great Dick Dale. His vocals too continue to progress with tonal quality and range, a big change from the whining vs. yelling days of the Pixies where Kim Deal (see: The Breeders) was the harmony in the band.

Sadly, I must say this would have been an extravagant interview delving into his past and future Sci-Fi interest & belief. That is if not for his asshole Tour Manager who would not let me do it, even when Frank agreed. At least I spoke to the great Black Francis whose music hath gotten me through many a year. But never you fear, someday I will track him down again.

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