Pixies do a lot

If it were possible for me to love the Pixies any more than I already do than I would... for the title of the lead single from their new album. Um Chagga Lagga brings a smile to the face even before hearing it. Hearing it brings a huge grin as its a classic slice of punky pop Pixies.

This is only the band’s sixth album in a career – albeit with lengthy interruptions –which began in 1986.

The 2016 line up includes three-quarters of the original band with only bassist Kim Deal absent. She’s been replaced by Paz Lenchan who not only contributes bass but a female voice to complement and contrast Black Francis’s unmistakeable rock howl. The quartet is made up by the ever excellent David Lovering and Joey Santiago and together they recorded Head Carrier in a month in London.

Their last album (and their first for 11 years) 2014’s Indie Cindy got a lukewarm response – the Pixies sound was intact, but that they’d forgotten to write any decent songs was a common, if harsh, criticism.

This time round that charge can’t be levied at them as they bring their barnstorming blend of surf pop, grunge and hard rock close to the peak they achieved with albums such as Surfa Rosa, Trompe Le Monde and their classic Doolittle with tracks such as Classic Masher and All I Think About Now.

It might not be quite Doolittle but it’s mighty fine and there can few bands who can blend searing hard rock and perfect pop like the Pixies. To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question. What other band is Kim Deal best known for? Entries to Pixies, Nigel Thornton, Peterborough Telegraph, Unex House - Suite B,Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG by October 6.