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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Pedro
the Lion, Ester Drang, and The Reputation
Walters on Washington Houston, TX March 19, 2004 By Scott Hearne As I drove down Washington Avenue in Houston, Texas, parked cars lined both sides of the street and I saw industrial buildings looming in the skyline. As I approached Walters on Washington, I knew there was no where to park in the small cement lot in front of the venue. I turned my car around and found a parking spot behind a small green building. I got out of my car, and walking past the small green building, I realized it was a tough Latino bar. Walters on Washington didnt seem to be in a very secure part of the metropolitan Houston area, and I feared for the safety of my recently parked car. But I was already late for the show, and there was no way in Hades I was going to miss seeing Pedro the Lion for the safety of my car. Disregarding the safety of my car, I saw two pieces of paper taped to the door stating Sold Out in big black marker. I took a deep breath and thanked the good Lord I had pre-paid for my ticket. The first band, The Reputation, made up of a bearded, bald man with glasses, a young kid on bass guitar, and a blonde haired woman singing and playing an electric guitar was already performing. As the band continued to play their unique blend of indie, noise pop they reminded me slightly of Morellas Forest or a happier Cocteau Twins, but the Elizabeth Elmore, the female lead singer formerly of local favorite Sarge, had vocals that sounded a lot like Liz Phair. The Reputation sounded great and their set ended too quickly for me. Ester Drang played next. They are not a favorite live band, although they put out good CD's. The best way to describe the music of Ester Drang is to think of Pink Floyd's __Dark Side of the Moon__ and subtract the pop/rock element and David Gilmours lead guitar parts. Great atmosphere, but the band has no stage presence. These guys are the epitome of shoe-gazer rock. That night, Ester Drang loitered on stage, created eerie sounds with their instruments, and thats it. The vocals were hard to hear and the band just stood around. The film projector flashed some interesting video footage, but not enough to hold interest for the duration of Ester Drangs set. Some people might have called the show atmospheric, boring would be more accurate. Oh, well. Eventually, Ester Drang stopped playing. At 11:00 pm, David Bazan walked on stage with a Fender telecaster around his neck and a burden for the truth in his chest. His appearance was modest; he was wearing jeans, a plain, black t-shirt, and his beard was slightly overgrown. With loud applause, the sold out crowd made it known Pedro the Lion was the reason they were at Walters on Washington. It was almost too much excitement. Then Pedro the Lion began their set. David Bazan, at his best, writes satiric songs that parody modern society. He sneers at materialism and greed in our world, and prefers to write and sing honest songs cutting to the core of spiritual reality. David Bazan at his worst is a pompous, snide, self-righteous, liberal who likes to curse. Whatever your opinion of David Bazan, Pedro the Lions music is compelling and tonight he was in top form. Because of the low-key nature of Pedro the Lions material, David Bazan's passion while singing most of his songs is surprising. He sank all of his heart into every word he sang. At times, he squeezed his eyelids so tight it seemed his head would explode. First and foremost, David Bazan was there to sing you his songs. He didnt put musical instrumentation, fashion, or the movement of his body first. Lyrical expression was the primary focus of Pedro the Lion. Musically, Pedro the Lions three-piece band sounded great, but the one really odd thing about the set was I heard a bass guitar being played along with the guitar and drums, but I never saw the bass player on stage. He must have been sitting on a chair off stage somewhere. It was rather distracting to hear a bass being played and not see the individual wielding the instrument. Before Pedro the Lion played their last song, David Bazan told everyone to read as much about politics as they could and make an informed decision about the presidential election this year. David said he wasnt going to tell anyone how to vote, he just wanted everyone in the audience to be informed about the presidential candidates. Then someone from the crowd yelled F**k Bush. After the outburst, David Bazan said that was one way to look at it. When David Bazan finished talking about politics he started the last song: Rednecks put down their slogans and kill camel f***ers, aint it a shame due process stands in the way of swift justice. We have not been paying attention. The redneck song wrapped up the concert. David Bazan may dislike our current president, use foul language, and lean a little to left politically, but at least he is honest and sincere. Therefore, he sings and plays music with the conviction of a man with nothing to hide. There is nothing more compelling than sincerity and someone playing genuine music. In a world filled with sin, in need of redemption, David Bazan wont lie and say the world is perfect and anyone talking to him after a show will hear him honestly say we all need Jesus. Pedro the Lions Set List
1. Nothing
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