Associated with the 1990s alternative rock boom, The Pixies draw on elements including punk and surf rock. The band was formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts and their music is known for its dynamic“loud-quiet” shifts and song structures. The primary songwriter, Black Francis, includes surreal lyrics that cover offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials and biblical violence. While they achieved modest popularity in the United States, they were more successful in Europe. The Pixies’ sound influenced acts such as Nirvana, Radiohead, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Weezer.