Phoenix

Pedro the Lion’s “comeback” album—their first in 15 years. Although singer David Bazan has had a busy solo career, this is the return to the fully-fleshed-out indie rock sound that generated some good buzz in the late 90's/early 00s. Most songs are narrative with a fair share of nostalgia (the album is named after Bazan’s childhood hometown and also doubles as a nod to “rising from the ashes”). Themes include placemaking, aging, Christian spirituality, reflecting on life's purpose, etc. While still falling solidly into the “indie rock” camp, the epic, sweeping guitars and polished, lyrics-forward arrangements give this a bit of a “Grammy nominee” aesthetic—though not necessarily a bad thing. While under the “Pedro” moniker, the intensely personal nature of the songs make it clear this is still very much Bazan’s project—give it a spin, let him take you down memory lane, and see what he’s learned along the way. All songs FCC clean. RIYL: Headphones, American Football, Mineral, Braid, The Hold Steady, Sun Kil Moon, Sunny Day Real Estate TRY: 10, 7, 11, 2, 9, 8

1. (1:01) Short staticy synthesizer intro
*2. (3:54) Strummy nostalgic rocker about getting your first bike as a kid. Lead single
3. Repetitive and anthemic. Catchy and upbeat
4. (3:24) Midtempo and emotional
5. (3:21) Childhood tale of looking at model homes, social mobility. Ringing guitars and crashing percussion
6. (1:39) Minimal(synth, the occasional open guitar chord) and hymnal. Exploring faith
*7. (3:34) Slow and airy. Lyrics about understanding the value of money through regretted frivolous purchases, instant gratification
*8. (4:23) Vignette reflecting on friendship dynamics/peer pressure in elementary school as a much wiser adult. Regretful air
*9. (3:15) Nostalgic song about visiting Phoenix while on tour. Being a stranger in your own home, etc.
*10. (5:24) Emotional ballad about a suicide on the interstate highway. Focalized through different characters—definitely a moving, standout track
*11. (3:24) Frenzied rocker about growing up/returning to Phoenix, etc. (A little corny with the “rising from ashes” imagery, but still solid overall with great energy)
12. (2:34) Slow, staticy and minimal. Interesting desert landscape descriptions
13. (6:09) Reflection on placemaking and “how will you know you’re finally home”