Pedro The Lion – The Only Reason I Feel Secure EP (incl. Bonus Tracks)

Interestingly enough, I don’t really like Pedro The Lion. That said, I do own this EP, as in I actually purchased the physical CD from a music store when I was a Teenager. At the time though, I literally had no idea who this guy was. I just liked the album art.

Side note: I need to qualify that when I was younger, I was pretty concerned with buying the “right” genre of music. Don’t ASK me exactly what that even means, but this EP looked like the “right” type of music for me. Turns out I actually LOVE it regardless the way I came about owning it.

This EP came out originally in 1999 and was re-issued by Jade Tree records in 2001 with 3 extra tracks: “Big Trucks,” “Diamond Ring,” and “Invention.” I’m glad that I ended up with the re-issue as the additional songs are some of my favourites.

Back to the fact that I don’t like Pedro The Lion. (For anyone reading this who LOVES Mr. Bazan, you can just skip down to the next paragraph as I’m not really interested in debating my feelings towards him with you). This band actually just consisted of David Bazan at the time and I had/have a couple of issues with him as a performer. DB always came across as trying VERY hard to be different or individualistic and push the boundaries of, my impressions of, acceptable behavior as an artist. I don’t really agree with a lot of things that he did/does or said/says as a part of this forced façade. Let me just put it this way: David seems like the type of person you wouldn’t want to go up against in debate class because he would always have an opinion/argument for EVERYTHING; even for the most ridiculous topics. You’d have to research him a little to get a feel for what I’m saying; written interviews mostly. Granted I think he employs a large amount of sarcasm in his work (as can be seen from the original ’99 title of this EP: “The Only Reason I Feel Secure Is That I Am Validated By My Peers.”) That said however, I am able to separate the man from his music and I can say that I DO enjoy quite a few of his songs.

Songs of note:

“Criticism as Inspiration” – this song sets the stage for the entire EP. Mellow, melodic, and themed in sadness. It’s unclear to me if this song is meant to be taken literally or sarcastically. Perhaps this was an actual life experience or this is an indication of what we’ve often wanted to say to someone close to us. This song also prepares you for Bazan’s unapologetic form of lyricism: “Then there’s your girlfriend, she opens her legs and, gives your life meaning, is that what you love her for?” Great song though!

“Invention” – another example of the slow and brooding song writing style of Pedro. At the same time, this song is very cryptic and, probably intentionally, left open for interpretation. I personally think the main message here is to investigate something fully before investing your time in supporting it or believing in it.

“Be Thou My Vision” – cover of a traditional Irish hymn. I LOVE this song. Not only for the Celtic influence but also because of the way it’s arranged and presented. Give me chills. This is, originally, the closing song of the EP. This is very evident in the lengthened ending which gives the 5 song set a feeling of completeness.

“Big Trucks (Single Version)” – first of the 3 bonus tracks, this song is one of my favourites. Very upbeat and sometimes downright funny, this song paints the picture of a father trying to teach his son the lesson that the world doesn’t revolve around him and that he needs to account for other people and their feelings when part of a dispute.

“Diamond Rings” – One of the literal songs on the EP, Diamond Rings is song that features guitar playing and a slide guitar part that presents a feeling of unperfected recording or grittiness. However, this is one of the reasons I like this song. Somehow Bazan pulls this sound off. Maybe it’s because you feel like you’re sitting in front of him at home watching/listening to him play live. Aside from the style, this song is SAAAAD!

This turned into a pretty long blog post considering I don’t really like David Bazan! Either way, you should check out this EP and if you like it, you should also give a listen to his album “Control.” I’m warning you now though, if you’re anything like me with reading/following along with the lyrics, you may have a hard time with some of the things he portrays in his music. “The Only Reason I Feel Secure” can be found on iTunes and probably NO where else.

Step Twelve - Ends Close Sight EP

Alright, this is on a personal note. Andre Chamberlain and his newest project is the topic of this blog entry. Recently, Andre and his wife Samantha were home visiting for Christmas and MY wife and I went to visit them at his parents house.

Andre and I used to be in a band together in high school and we have been friends ever since that endeavor even though he moved out west to work/live alongside his brothers and work for Nomis Design soon after high school. Andre has been busily churning out music as a part of Chamberlain Davey, alongside Harrison Davey and Jeremy Radawiec, and more recently as a solo act under the moniker Step Twelve.

While we were visiting with Andre and Sam, Andre handed me his new EP “Ends Close Sight.” As a side note, I should qualify that I always assumed that Andre would make mostly instrumental music as this guy kicks tail on the Bass and was always a huge fan of the likes of Stu Hamm, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai, etc. As part of Chamberlain Davey, Andre explored other instruments and this can be heard on their self-titled EP with him playing guitar. For this EP however, he has more or less decided to make music on his bass exclusively. Andre has also been exploring the world of singing ever since Lonely Heights (our high school band), and has been doing all he can in terms of vocal training and playing live shows in and around Vancouver as a way of honing his voice. All of this experience, training, and practice has very evidently paid off when listening to his latest record. It would be almost impossible for Andre's Bass playing skills to be lacking in my opinion but I'm particularly impressed with the talent and progress shown in his vocal work.

Songs of note: the two best songs on this disc are “Ends Close Sight #2,” which is my #1 example of how much Andre's voice has progressed over the years and “Groove of Love” which is a great example of Andre's instrumental music writing skills. Also, ECS #2 features a girl named Anne Lacovone on background vocals who compliments this song further by introducing a great contract to Andre's voice.

Honourable mention goes to the song “For You” with I THINK is about his wife Samantha? I could be wrong but this track is a great, upbeat, tap-your-foot-along-to song. Another great example of Andre's evolved sense of melody....especially the chorus/bridge.

Overall, Ends Close Sight by Step Twelve is a great little EP to listen to during downtime or relaxing on your couch. As far as I know, this EP is now live, available for purchase on iTunes.

Great job Buddy!