David Bazan: Strange Negotiations

David Bazan
Strange Negotiations
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Bazan brings a bit more rock on Strange Negotiations to challenge some of his familiar themes!

Album Review:
David Bazan returns here with his sophomore album using his own name titled Strange Negotiations. Always a songwriter of great thought, the former Pedro The Lion and Headphones frontman returns here to some similar themes, such as personal struggle and religion but longtime fans will immediately realize that these 10 tracks are much more global and much less introspective. This is not a bad thing, as one can't challenge the emotion found on Curse Your Branches [2009] considering it dealt with his issues of alcoholism and belief but there is always something to be said for moving forward. It also helps the progression process when you can create such catchy indie tunes as Bazan does here. The strong uptempo "Wolves At The Door" is one of the most memorable tracks he has composed, as his husky baritone vocal proclaims "cause you’re a goddamn fool, and i love you - yeah i love you", which instantly makes you take notice. The undertone of rock on Strange Negotiations is very evident, as it is the first record he recorded with a band and the result features one foot tapper after another as it propels the listener along on this outward Bazan trip that brings a solid listen all the way through. There are several little left turns on the second half of Strange Negotiations that do hinder it from greatness, such as the weird little keyboard insertion on "Messes" and the breezy "Don't Change", which seems a bit out of place but the title track and closer "Won't Let Go" bring the album right back to the beginning. Strange Negotiations is another strong entry into David Bazan's catalog and without a doubt, there is no reason fans should not quickly latch onto it because his new challenging views remain just as catchy and passionate as the path he once traveled.

Key Tracks: "Wolves At The Door", "Strange Negotiations", "Eating Paper"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Matthew Pryor
Bon Iver
Bright Eyes

David Bazan: Curse Your Branches [Fire Note Review 8/28/09]

David Bazan Website
David Bazan MySpace
David Bazan Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony