Erotic career diversion

Known most for his role as frontman of the popular alternative band The Pixies, Black Francis (aka Frank Black) continues a steady progression through the later years of his musical career with “NonStopErotik,” his 14th solo album.

Although some remnants of The Pixies’ punk-grunge sound still remain in his work, Francis has thoroughly evolved — not toward the new electronic or experimental indie styles that are popular today, but toward experimentation that would be coming from most grungy ’90s bands if they were still alive.

“NonStopErotik” features heavy rock ‘n’ roll melodies and early blues-style chord progressions. Though it is supposedly a concept album on the theme of sex, the only track where this theme is directly addressed is “When I Go Down on You”.

The rest of the album is marked by Black’s trademark quiet, gentle vocals and enigmatic Leonard Cohen-like lyrics. “NonStopErotik” is much more intimate than erotic and comes across as a wholly tranquil rock album.