Pedro the Lion - Control

So here's singer/songwriter David Bazan's second concept album. It's stronger than the last, but unfortunately, it sounds too much like the last one to really be arresting.

That's the problem with developing a sound. People want to hear something new, something visionary. They don't want to hear what they heard last time, only a little better. But an artist has to learn, step by step, and Bazan is clearly on a journey. Frankly, I think it's one of rock music's most interesting right now. Rather than trying to make an impression through audacity, he's making it through sincerity, a strong and formidable tower built one brick at a time.

"Control" employs the same variety of coarse electric guitar, ponderous vocals, and caustic storytelling as "Winners Never Quit". But this time, he's singing a different soap opera. This is a ferocious, unapologetically messy epic of marriage and infidelity. (This is about as romantic as it gets: "I would never divorce you/without a good reason...") In fact, it is so ambitious as to explore marriage not only literally, but as a metaphor for this country's moral deterioration and political corruption.

Bazan's blunt honesty may offend some, especially when singing from the point of view of the unfaithful husband while in the act of extramarital sex. But I find that this is some of the boldest, most honest rock and roll being played today. Here's a Christian who refuses to take the job of Christian propagandist. Instead, like the Psalmist, he lays it all out on the table... his doubts, pain, struggles, betrayals, and feeble lunge for God's freely offered grace and forgiveness. His stories are vehicles for his observations on choices and consequences. The stories are believable and painful. The vehicle takes us a great distance.

One of the developing problems is a lack of distinctive musicianship. The only distinctive quality of Bazan's music at this point it its frequently plodding pace. Different albums and songs boast different musicians being involved, but you can't really tell. Thus, whatever Pedro album you hear first might be engaging, but the more of their work you hear, the more it all starts to run together. At least, that has been my experience of it. But I know Pedro fans that disagree. If they're right, then I guess my discernment of styles is just not refined enough.

If he could develop a more varied sound, the songs more distinct from each other, more memorable. One track on "Control"-- "Magazine" --shows a willingness to try some new things, and thus I find it the most exciting and memorable song on the album. But, speaking as a fan, I feel Bazan's tradition of sluggish guitars and somnambulistic singing is growing wearisome. It's a style that is intensely personal and honest, but it can become taxing. And the anger, angst, and pathos have become so relentless, one can't help but wonder, does he ever enjoy singing and playing? Is his life one big drag?