‘Coast’: Kim Deal shares her first solo single in a decade, recorded by Steve Albini
Kim Deal, the leader of The Breeders and original bassist for the Pixies, has released her first solo single since 2014. ‘Coast’ captures Deal’s enduring lyrical uniqueness with an expansive sonic world recorded by the late Steve Albini.
It’s been ten years since Deal last released solo work. Throughout 2013 and 2014, she was prolific as she released ten singles, including ‘Wish I Was’ and ‘Are You Mine?’ For fans of the artist who simply can’t get enough of Deal’s style, it was a more than welcome period, offering up more greatness from one of alternative rock’s favourite voices.
But as ‘Coast’ is released, it becomes a true meeting of legends. Deal is a hugely respected name. In 1986, she answered an ad in a local paper and joined the Pixies, learning bass to be able to fit into their lineup while guitar had previously been her instrument. She co-wrote with the band and performed some of their biggest hits as they first broke into major success.
After the Pixies went on hiatus, Deal’s star kept rising when she started The Breeders. The band earned fans in high places, with Kurt Cobain once calling their 1990 album Pop one of his all-time favourites and Deal one of his favourite songwriters.
Since then, Deal has remained a tireless worker, whether it be in The Breeders, on her sporadic solo efforts or during the Pixies’ solo efforts. Decades on from when she first answered that ad in the paper, she remains an enduring and exciting force in the alternative world, shown perfectly by the energy of ‘Coast’.
But Deal isn’t the only legend on the track. ‘Coast’ is recorded by the late, great producer Steve Albini, who passed away in May of this year. Deal and Albini were close friends and true admirers of each other’s work. They first worked together in 1988 as Albini produced the Pixies’ debut album and remained in each other’s orbit as friends and collaborators ever since.
The release of ‘Coast’ feels like Deal’s tribute to her friend as an undeniable display of his talent and their musical chemistry. Together, they give Deal, an Ohio native who loves gloomy weather, a sunny makeover. With a mariachi band combined with her own grungey style, it’s a combination of things that shouldn’t work, but somehow, with Deal and Albini’s mutual talent, it really does.
There’s no note as to whether this could possibly be the start of a new project for Deal, perhaps another period of solo single release or maybe fans will finally get a solo album. But for now, ‘Coast’ is delivered right on time to soundtrack summer for fans of rain, alternative rock and remembering Albini’s talent.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.