published: 7 /
5 /
2002
Label:
Jade Tree
Format: CD
Intimate but also aggressive third album and cautionary tale from the highly acclaimed Seattle musician David Bazan, who works under the moniker of Pedro the Lion
Review
Anyone familiar with David Bazan’s (a.k.a Pedro the Lion) last full-length album, 'Winners Never Quit,' might have an inkling of what an ambitious endeavour it most assuredly was, and as such, a grasp of how difficult it must be to follow that up. When asked at a live show about a year ago, Bazan said that this new album was not going to be a story like the last. Clearly though, that plan was changed, because in some ways 'Control' is even more a concept album than 'Winners' ever was. But a concept album that’s not a progressive rock album is easily a stand-out, especially in the indie scene. Bazan tells stories almost as if they are genuine folk concepts. He spins his musical tale like a work of fiction, and as a complete concept...it listens like a good indie rock record , while reading like a good book, or getting sucked into a good drama. Whether that was his original intention or not is unclear. And much like 'Winners Never Quit,' the full depth of what’s happening on this album takes a few listens to actually unfold.
Lyrically, 'Control' is not nearly as subtle as' Winners' was, but then its overall feeling is far more aggressive, and far less sorrowful and even at times, truly angry. The basic story running through 'Control', is just that, all about control. A husband who tries to control his wife, his mistress, his children, his job, and his environment. And of course, like most parables, the outcome is always his just deserts: the cheating husband loses his job, his wife, his mistress, and ultimately his life as a result of those weaknesses. A lot of emphasis where Pedro the Lion is concerned, is placed on Bazan’s faith, and while much of his work is definitely a morality play, it is never cheesy Christian Rock. Had he never stated any faith, it would almost go unnoticed in his music, and anyone who thinks he’s preaching has definitely got the wrong idea.
Hopefully this doesn’t downplay for you the overall impact of this album musically as well. Much like 'Winners' it is bare bones guitar over drums, some mid-tempo spacey melodies, in between the upbeat rockers, which in actual fact are still pretty depressing themselves, but it’s just those depressing tones that make you ache for more. The music for each song is also appropriate to its context...more aggressive concepts have louder, faster music, while songs about death, or indecision, are slower and more thought-provoking. His musical ability as well has matured over the last album, and in addition on this one he is helped out by Aaron Sprinkle and then Casey Foubert from Seldom. This is a complete package as well, right down to the artwork on it which accompanies the theme always trying to be communicated. You will get sucked into Pedro the Lion the way you get sucked into someone’s forbidden diary.
Track Listing:-
1
Options
2
Rapture
3
Penetration
4
Indian Summer
5
Progress
6
Magazine
7
Rehearsal
8
Second Best
9
Priests and Paramedics
10
Rejoice