David Bazan via Mr. Bungle

     I'd like to thank Mr. Bungle for introducing me to David Bazan, albeit rather indirectly. You didn't know I knew Mr. Bungle personally, did you? I don't, of course, but it is a bit of a funny story.

     There was a young man who worked at the local record shop I frequent that used to recommend music to me and my daughter. He was fond of Mike Patton, former front man for Mr. Bungle. Well, my daughter and I didn't know this very nice guy's name and after a while it became too awkward to ask him directly, so when we talked about him we referred to him as Mr. Bungle. Perhaps not the kindest nickname in the world, but it seemed to fit.

     Anyhoo, he was a huge fan of the now-defunct Christian rock band Pedro the Lion and on his recommendation, I picked up one of their albums. I have to say it didn't do much for me, but I recall his being very disappointed at the fact that they'd broken up. He was very much looking forward to the future solo work of their lead singer, David Bazan, however, which leads me, rather long-windedly, to today's real subject, which is David Bazan's new solo album Curse Your Branches.

     I first heard the single "Bless This Mess" and was immediately taken with it. The half-twist he puts on all the Biblical phrases is brilliant. It adds an incredible amount of pathos to the song, which is essentially about a man who's an alcoholic and yet loves his family deeply and wants to be a better man . . . right after he has another drink. It's painfully honest and yet even though the lyrics are serious, the tune is really catchy and upbeat. It sucked me right in and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since.

     The main thrust of this album, however, is Bazan's disengagement from and rejection of all the religious teachings and beliefs he was brought up with. He stops short of denying the existence of god, but he comes close to it. Basically, it's an argument with and against god and the fundamentalist Christian "truths" that he grew up with.

     But don't let the serious subject matter dissuade you or make you think this album's not for you. It's wonderful and even if you don't listen to the lyrics through the lens of a recovering Christian, you will find much to appreciate. If you do, then you will like it even more.

David Bazan--"Bless This Mess" mp3 off Curse Your Branches (buy) 

     Here's a short interview with Bazan that helps explain his past and where he is today, theologically speaking. He also recently completed a Daytrotter session, which you can find here.

tags: david bazan  

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