There's something to be said for subtlety. Amidst the glut of kick and scream, swing and shake your booty rock coming across radio waves these days, it takes a truly unique spin on music to catch the picky music listener's ear and make them listen. Pedro the Lion is hardly the most original band in the world (Nothing eclectic in the musicianship or the presence), but it seems the entire lack of flash is what makes them special. While everyone else is vying for your attention with their snazzy pop hooks and junior high-level expressions of teen angst (from 25 year olds, no less!), Pedro the Lion sets up shop in the background, quietly strumming and speaking aloud the subconscious. The music is simple, if not almost the same on each track, shadowing David Bazan's sleepy yet earnest vocals. This in no way means the music is bad. Simplicity, as with subtlety, can be a musician's biggest asset when writing a song. Rather than making it sound like he just spent a month coming up with a word that rhymes with melancholy, David just speaks his mind and his heart. Few songwriters have the ability to bring the inside to the outside without sounding pretentious or whiny. This is where I find his music most compelling. I usually listen to Pedro in the car, when I am alone. At first listen, its just a guy singing about his world, inside him and around him. At second listen, its me and my world. Its just somebody else's voice speaking my thoughts aloud. And with each listen, I hear something new. It's fairly easy to get the gist of most songs on the radio these days. However, it's very rare to hear something you weren't expecting without even pressing your ear to the speaker. This is what Pedro the Lion does: They draw you in with the gentle thrumming of the guitar and a smattering of percussion only to force a look into the spiritual mirror, which, depending on who you are, can be a bit unnerving. Subtlety. The silent killer of pride and self-righteous composure. I'm sure that this isn't necessarily David's intent when writing these songs. I'm sure that these are just reflections of his thoughts, as it is with any songwriter. But, speaking only from this reviewer's point of view, it touches home. I can't help but get internal when I listen to it. Okay, I realize I'm reviewing the band more than the disc itself, but I really don't know what I can say that hasn't been said before about his previous releases. If you want to listen to music that gets you jumping around the room, listen to something else. That's totally fine. But if you want something to LISTEN to, you can't go wrong with any Pedro the Lion disc. This one is just the newest one out there. And it continues the level of quality most bands will never achieve or try too hard to have. I only wish I had more time to review it, as I'm sure that it would get an even better review a few weeks from now. My only complaint is (as it is with all Pedro discs) that it's way too short. Oh well. That just means that it gets more repeated plays on long road trips between PA and VA.
A-
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis January 2002Reviewed by Tom BastianBefore signing to Jade Tree Records the Seattle based indie rock band Pedro the Lion released a full-length and an EP on the now defunct Seattle based label, Made in Mexico. "It's Hard to Find a Friend" was the band's first attempt at a full-length release while the EP "The Only Reason I Feel Secure" was the band's much anticipated 2nd release for the label. Jade Tree records has re-mastered and…Opus 2000Reviewed by Jason MoreheadMusic is a fickle mistress. One minute, you're the darling of the critics and at the front of the kids' minds. The next, you're appearing on a Rhino compilation. And there are those things that are often mixed blessings. For example, the dreaded "you just recorded a perfect album and now you have to follow it with something even better" syndrome. Radiohead has it, thanks to OK Computer. According…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimThis isn't my fancy, but it is the best at this style of indie rock, or whatever you want to call it. B+Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradIt's great for what it is, not my cup of tea though (I like upbeat tempos). You'll like it if you like thoughtful music. Stuff to listen to when you are in a quiet contemplative mood. If you like that type of music, its really really good, worth checking out. B+Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TomPedro the Lion is one of my favorite bands. Their music is mellow(for the most part) and simple, yet their songs are written extremely well. Close your eyes, lay down in your bed, and let yourself get wrapped up in the story like songs of Pedro the Lion. David Bazan's voice is full of pure emotion that goes right from his heart to yours. A-Similar sounding releases
2005Chris StaplesBlackest Hair, Bluest Eyes
2003Joan of ArcSo Much Staying Alive and Lovelessness
2002Victory at SeaThe Good Night
1996BedheadBeheaded
2001The FramesFor the Birds
2003Live in JapanWhen I Was a LiarMore from Pedro the Lion
2004Achilles Heel
1998It's Hard to Find a Friend
2002Control
1997Whole EP
2000Winners Never Quit
2000Progress
