One might say that Pixies front man Frank Black’s newest solo album, Honeycomb, could be a compilation of songs portraying different styles of music. Others may argue that he is trying to pay larger and more focused tribute to the many influences of the Pixies. I think that Frank Black is just finally allowing his older and more mature side to come out in his music. Black is able to show that he has the talent and versatility to play any style well.
The plucks of bluesy guitar riffs and rock and roll solos, as well as use of piano as light background filler in many songs, give a jazzy, older feel to the songs. Black’s ability’s were only tested on this album as he collaborated with musicians Steve Cropper, Anton Fig and Spooner Oldham. Cropper was in the band Booker T and the MG’s and was a main figure in the southern soul movement in the 60’s. Fig was a drummer in Letterman’s Late Night band and played for musicians such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen. Oldham is an organ, piano and keyboard player. He has done background for Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Jackson Browne.
The album was recorded in Nashville and the feel of the album very much encompasses that sound; its almost as though Black allows the style that he is playing to engulf him and take control of the music. The styles of the musicians with which Black wrote these songs are very prominent throughout the album and it explains a lot of how the music became the way it is. You can hear the influence of the Cropper’s soul background in the guitar sound of songs like “Dark End of the Street” which has light guitar riffs which turn into rich solos accompanied by Fig’s rhythmic high hat drumming and Oldham’s high pitched keyboard sounding almost like bells. In this song Black’s vocals are very soulful and sweet as well as pleading, giving an older sound to them. At first listen it does not sound anything like Frank Black. It may sound like a good country singer, or the background music to a western film. It sounds like music that someone who listens to Jimmy Buffet would like to listen to because it’s just very mellow and relaxing. It may also sound like a Dylan impersonator but it very rarely sounds like the Frank Black of the Pixies.
His vocals are constantly changing and portray different vocal styles of artists such as of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding and Bruce Springsteen. His stylized singing ranges from rich and deep to gruff and more sing-talking. One example is the song “Honeycomb” is sung in a style very reminiscent of Anthony Kiedis with this very smooth slightly higher toned voice that has the same rhythmic feel of the Chili Peppers. The song “Go find your saint” has the gruff really down to earth tone and melody of Bruce Springsteen. It really could be passed of as some sort of mix of genres but in truth it is just Black experimenting with his abilities.
It is true the Black’s past few solo albums have been pulling away from that Pixies sound but this album is probably the most applicable to middle-aged listeners who were fans of the Pixies when they first began. Honeycomb could be the album that allows those older fans to reconnect to Frank Black and appreciate him not only for the Pixies but for the fact that he has the ability to appeal to any listening age of his choice. Younger audiences may not see the charm in the album because they may be expecting something rougher and more alternative. But for those whose only expectations are to be impressed, they should check it out because Black’s maturity and expertise really shine through making the album an excellent listen.
Artist:
Frank Black