The Breeders

Billboard, Melbourne August 5 08

by James Baker

The enduring enthusiasm for all things Pixies, Kim Deal and The Breeders seems to know no limits. Kim Deal and co hold the sort of cred and cult following most bands can only dream of but, then again, this ain't any old band. In Australia for the first time in 5 years and with new album "Mountain Battles" in the can, The Breeders arrived at Billboard in Melbourne before a packed house filled with much love from an adoring crowd. The band has had a variety of lineups over 19 years and limited output, though gladly still put on a gigantically entertaining rock and roll show.

Gaslight Radio were the sole support and though perhaps a little underdone, they played a solid set of the hazy guitar rock they have done so well for so long. Their set complete, it was on with the blaring soul as the crowd thickened in anticipation of the main attraction. Starting their show as a five piece, The Breeders instantly had the audience eating out of their hand. A legendary figure in modern music, Kim Deal still appears to be genuinely surprised at the level of adoration her audience holds for her and her band, though she clearly appreciates it. Numbers from Mountain Battles and Last Splash dominated the set, with Walk It Off and New Year popular early on. Joined by her sister Kelley, a powerhouse rhythm section and occasional third guitarist, Deal led her band through a broad selection of tracks from their three studio albums and had an infectiously good time while she was at it. There was a warm fuzzy feeling in the rather soulless venue throughout the night, with the bouncy pop numbers getting all and sundry moving while the sparser songs produced smiles all round and warm applause. The Breeders are a super tight unit, the fantastic Jose Medeles on drums and Mando Lopez on bass meshing perfecty with the Deal sisters sharp guitar work and distinctive off kilter harmonising. Cannonball was, of course, immensely popular and rightfully so. The Breeder's biggest song still sounds as fresh and as electrifying as ever with it's irresistible groove and superb build up.

Iris and their excellent cover of Happiness Is a Warm Gun from debut Pod made welcome appearances, the latter showcasing Kelley's impressive vocal abilities. The unmistakable voices of the Deal sisters sounded as strong as ever, perhaps enhanced by Kim's quitting smoking which she was happy to boast about and put down to her being "fucking awesome". The crowd heartily agreed. 'Mountain Battles' opening cut Overglazed was much more effective live, the band taking their sound to wide screen proportions with the "I Can Feel It" refrain echoing throughout the room amongst a wall of noise. With the set winding down, the Breeders eased off with the countrified Here No More, the Spanish versed Regalame Esta Noche (Kelley handling the foreign lyrics with aplomb) and finally a lovely Fortunately Gone to close proceedings. Lengthy goodbyes and affectionate thank yous were exchanged and The Breeders departed. One gets the impression they will be welcomed back any old time.