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Pedro the Lion are the brainchild of David Bazan, who proves himself to be a thought-provoking, ambitious songwriter. He even makes a "concept" album about the machinations of a scheming, self-righteous politician and his drunkard of a brother sound like an intimate confession of personal tragedies and foibles. His voice is full of a tangible world-weariness, and his metaphorical lyrics jump out with real power. The band's music is spartan, as Bazan arranges many songs for only his voice and guitar: other tracks find him playing bass, drums and simple keyboard lines. This minimal setting allows for the dynamic shifts to have greater impact as he alternates between folkie, melodic tunes and up-tempo rockers rife with lovely, intertwining harmonies between the guitar, bass and vocals. Other numbers are slow and melancholic, sometimes recalling the austere work of Bedhead. Bazan's music doesn't always hand the listener answers on a silver platter, but for those willing to invest a little time, this is rich and rewarding Indie Rock.
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