-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Weezer and Pixies, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, June 23
Florida was the launchpad for the big summer tour pairing alt-rock legends
Weezer and the
Pixies on a co-headlining bill. Even with very solid bona fides and undisputed spots in the indie canon, however, both bands have had their own
legacy hiccups. The Pixies are, ahem, dealing with continuing the reunion era of their career minus a very defining and beloved member (indie idol
Kim Deal). And Weezer have been trying to age gracefully and hold on to their compass amid shifting fan base and, frankly, diminishing artistic returns.
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
In this latest outing, it was good to see that the
Pixies have maintained their
feral fire, refusing to be tamed by the responsibility of historical stature. And new bassist
Paz Lenchantin is a worthy addition.
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Look, there’s only one Kim Deal, and she ain’t it. But neither is the rest of world. Lenchantin, however, is a solid fit in this one-of-a-kind band, and that’s something most of humanity can’t claim. Also, hearing the Pixies rip their full-throttle
Jesus and Mary Chain cover live hit my sweet spot exponentially.
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Pixies at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Weezer, for their part, really capitalized on the true headlining spot with set changes, production and even pyro.
-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Being far more arena-ready inherently, their big, clean, chunky riffs translated well in this outdoor milieu. What also came through was the band’s famous humor and personality, including a
Toto cover to oblige a teenage fan’s Twitter campaign.
-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
-
Jen Cray
-
Weezer at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Even though Weezer is generally more suited to top a summer blockbuster tour, it did feel kind of heretical to hear the Pixies play before them. But at the end of the day, both are bands with some defining songs and sounds that were groundbreaking and landmark. And this double-headed bill is an indie-rock
dream ticket.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com