If you read our review of Bazan’s latest, Curse Your Branches, the day it came out, then you have to know that we’re excited about seeing this show. If you didn’t read it, well, we think it’s worth the time.
Once the force behind the ecclesiastical rock trio Pedro the Lion and the somewhat more experimental and more secular Headphones, with this latest effort Bazan has broken ties with anything that might be deemed religious. If you have hesitated taking this record for a spin because you don’t want to listen to a sermon, do not fear. This is far from that. Those who can’t put his musical past behind them, aren’t really listening. His isn’t wrestling with faith, he’s wrestling with life. (Step aside Job.)
It isn’t often that we find a record equally melodic and dramatic. Songs like “Please, Baby, Please” are so compelling that we almost forget that these are the kind of lyrics that people aren’t supposed to sing along with. Of course, you could have said the same thing about Pearl Jam’s cover of “Last Kiss” about a decade ago. It didn’t stop us then and it won’t stop us now.
There is something about the vocal instrument that can transform any content. Both Bazan and that better known fella from Seattle can do wonders that way. Compare the two for yourself and join us Wednesday night at the DU.
