Grand Duchy at Siren Music Festival (07/18/09)

Photos: Jon Klemm

Looks like Frank Black / Black Francis / Charles Thompson is the Grand Duke of Early Indie Rock. His latest project, Grand Duchy, keeps him busy while the Pixies futz around with reissues, more reunion shows and not making new music. It’s not much of a stretch from his previous work, the difference being the trading of vocals with his wife Violet Clark. While the electronic parts gives the duo a little fun pop edge, the whole project seems like a lighter version of The Kills.

With that said, I still dug their set at Siren. I do have to admit that the guy has a certain gravitas given his history. I think Clark’s involvement makes this project worth a listen. Check out the playfulness of “Lovesick”. It’s not going to set the world on fire, but it’s good for it is, just stylish indie rock. [MusicSnobbery.com]

Grand Duchy and Pixies frontman Frank Black recently told Spin.com that the Pixies would be bringing the Doolittle 20th Anniversary tour to Oakland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, New York City, and “maybe Montreal”, later in the fall. Exact tour dates and venues are still to be confirmed.

More Grand Duchy pictures after the jump.