The lyrics on David Bazan’s first album under his own name read like
a personal guide to his conflicts with Christianity. The album opens
with “Hard to Be,” which doubts the validity of Adam and Eve’s story
and seems to reach to the heavens for answers with graceful piano and
swelling synthesizer, as Bazan questions what he has grown up believing
and hoping to understand the truth. He reveals deep fears
—straying from church traditions, alienating family — as
pedal-steel guitar swirls around crunchy synthesizers and sweetly
strummed guitar. “Please, Baby, Please” sounds like a digitally
cleaned-up version of Neutral Milk Hotel and vocals that sound like
Okkervil River’s Will Sheff. What makes the album a standout is Bazan’s
ability to fashion poetic prose from self-doubt and personal struggles.
Taking a deep, concentrated listen can move you to tears, regardless of
your religious beliefs. The turmoil in Bazan’s voice, the honesty of
his lyrics and its musical craft make this album a must-hear. Everyone
has doubts; Bazan spins his into art. — Danielle Sills
This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2009.
