Pedro the Lion Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Achilles' Heel, Pedro the Lion's fifth album, is a hallmark for the band, a culmination of their previous work, and -- upon its release -- their best album to date. Breaking down the linear narratives of The Only Reason I Feel Secure and Control into broader concepts and themes that rely far less on storytelling and more on topical personal politics turns out to be a winning approach. Walking through the emotional fray of America's suburban ennui, David Bazan and company have built a beautiful and wavering mix of indie rock and country-folk. Ester Drang keyboardist James McAlister is a shining addition to Bazan and longtime contributor T.W. Walsh, adding a syrupy keyboard undercurrent to contrast Bazan's longing melodies and lyrics -- and the guitar work reaches new levels of uncharacteristic gritty rock on the venomous "Keep Swinging" (don't expect it for more than one track, though). With some of the best songs of the band's career -- the classic, simple, country-tinged "Foregone Conclusions" and the lush, soaring "The Fleecing," for example -- Pedro the Lion cast themselves as a Neil Young for the tract homes and convenience stores, a middle-class hero for those caught in the mundane space between the McMansions and the nine-to-five grind. Bazan is a master of this stuff, delving through the routine and ordinary for every drop of melancholy and poetry. While lilting and humorless (don't expect anything as fun as the Darkness here), these songs are like literature set to music, the indie rock counterpart to a novel like A.M. Homes' The Safety of Objects -- maybe a little tough to swallow or make it all the way through, but brilliantly rendered nonetheless. ~ Charles Spano, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Christian indie rock? It had to happen, what with Christian metal and punk rock having been around for a decade or longer. Singer/songwriter David Bazan of Pedro the Lion is surely devout, but rather than preach a clean lifestyle or dedicate his music to Jesus, his songs are about believing in, questioning, and challenging his faith. His fans are more indie than Christian, digging his lilting whine of a voice and his downbeat, somber tunes, which occasionally rock but more often drone. Control is in no way a departure from his other albums. Bazan, who plays guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards on Control and often handles all the instruments on his records, is joined this time by Casey Foubert on bass, percussion, and keyboards. Bazan is a fine guitarist and his tunes are strong but he's no Elliott Smith yet. Perhaps if he expands his songwriting and subject matter, he could be a future heir to the tragically vacated indie rock confessional throne Smith occupied. ~ Adam Bregman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
David Bazan has stripped Pedro the Lion down to himself, his tape recorder and basement, and sonically the result is fine. Winners Never Quit is an odd fable of a corrupt, self-righteous politician and his sweeter but equally wayward brother. The opening song, "Slow and Steady Wins the Race," lends this whole affair more weight than it really deserves, and it is easily the best song on the album. Bazan works up a primitive blast of rock & roll on a couple of the songs, which gives Pedro more musical variety; otherwise, Bazan keeps it to the spare amateur vision he employed so well on It's Hard to Find a Friend; not always for the best. An interesting album, spooky in spots, but other than the terrific "Slow and Steady," this one's a curiosity. ~ David Dwyer, All Music Guide
