Live: Pedro The Lion

ROCKEFELLER’S — 2/14/18: It’s been 12 years since singer/songwriter David Bazan has played under the band name Pedro The Lion. After a little over a decade as Pedro, Bazan split up the band to go solo, and since 2006, solo Bazan has made a bigger name for himself while also keeping his original devoted fanbase, who’ve followed him through shifting faith and musical styles.

None of this has shaken them off. His changes only brought them closer because something about him or his work is still unpretentious and endearing. As a result, the crowds at his shows are always attentive and respectful.

At Rockefeller’s on Washington Ave. on Valentine’s night, a packed house waited politely to see a reincarnation of beloved music history. With little to no fanfare, the most unassuming three-piece band you’ve ever seen played a pretty perfect set. There was almost no time between the songs, just heavy, clean guitar, Bazan’s huge voice, and a setlist that covered every Pedro album.

“It’s everything we want,” said everyone in attendance. Drummer Sean Lane and guitarist Erik Walters kept faithful to the expertly-crafted, minimalist songs. Their performance was so seamless it may as well have been a recording.

They kept the set eclectic, going from heavy, churning, soul-crushing anthems like “Second Best” and “Penetration,” both from 2002’s Control, to early whisper-core lullabies like “Slow and Steady Wins the Race,” from 2000 release Winners Never Quit, and “Of Up and Coming Monarchs,” the first song off Pedro The Lion’s 1998 debut, “It’s Hard to Find a Friend”.

When we heard the words “last song,” a rush of anxiety passed quickly through the building. But fear of not hearing our favorite songs was suppressed upon hearing of a new Pedro The Lion LP, a forthcoming full band tour, and the re-release of the Pedro back catalog on Epitaph Records later this year.

Needless to say, as long as they’re touring, we’ll be there. END

(All photos by Marshall Forse Walker.)