Beneath the Eyrie cover

Beneath the Eyrie

Pixies · 2019

41 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic yet dissonant, this album weaves surreal narratives through angular guitar riffs and haunting vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Graveyard Hill — This track embodies the album's blend of eerie imagery and catchy melodies, encapsulating the lyrical themes of mortality and nostalgia.
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    Catfish Kate — With its playful yet dark narrative about a woman who encounters a mythical creature, this song showcases the band's signature surreal storytelling.
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    Silver Bullet — The haunting atmosphere and introspective lyrics make this track a standout moment that highlights the band's ability to merge vulnerability with powerful instrumentation.
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    Bird of Prey — This song features a driving rhythm and vivid imagery, illustrating the album's thematic focus on nature and existential reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends dissonance and melody with strong narratives, showcasing the band's signature style while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of angular guitar riffs that create a dissonant yet melodic sound throughout its tracks.
  • Several songs employ a narrative structure, with lyrics that unfold like short stories, enhancing the surreal quality of the music.
  • The pacing varies significantly; tracks like 'Graveyard Hill' maintain a driving tempo while others, such as 'Silver Bullet', slow down to create tension.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo exploration
  • surreal narratives to ponder
  • engaging storytelling throughout
  • thoughtful listening in order

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues the band's exploration and shows vitality after their reunion.
Career context
Released in 2019, 'Beneath the Eyrie' is the Pixies' sixth studio album and their first since reuniting in 2004. This record follows their 2016 release, 'Head Carrier', continuing their exploration of darker themes and intricate storytelling while showcasing a matured sound that reflects their legacy in alternative rock.
Stylistic neighbors
The Breeders· Sonic Youth· Weezer

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 In the Arms of Mrs. Mark of Cain 4:13
  • 2 Graveyard Hill 3:25
  • 3 Catfish Kate 3:08
  • 4 This Is My Fate 3:20
  • 5 Ready for Love 2:33
  • 6 Silver Bullet 3:44
  • 7 Long Rider 3:32
  • 8 Los Surfers Muertos 2:54
  • 9 St. Nazaire 2:27
  • 10 Bird of Prey 2:37
  • 11 Daniel Boone 4:52
  • 12 Death Horizon 2:06
  • 13 Caught in a Dream (demo) 2:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata