Lyrically this is the edgiest CD by a "Christian" band. Ten songs tell of a marriage gone wrong. Always the enemy of easy answers David Bazan leaves the listener with the lines, "wouldn't it be wonderful if everything were meaningless but everything is so meaningful and most everything turns to s***" Musically there is a tougher rock sound with hints of punk on a couple songs. My opinion: get this album.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by David SongDavid Bazan was the driving force behind Pedro the Lion, a Seattle band described as indie/emo rock. Eventually, Pedro the Lion stripped down to Bazan and his guitar, but with Control, there is no sign of him stopping or slowing down. But while Bazan might seem to Christian indie rock what Relient K is to punk, or Zao was to hardcore, Control contains exactly the kind of material that consumers…Decapolis March 2002Reviewed by Scott HatchWhile billed as a departure from the standard Pedro the Lion format, Control basically carries on in the same manner as the traditional cannon. Granted, the drum beats are increasingly complicated, there are more keyboard parts, and the album more fully rocks out than previous efforts. The influence of Bedhead's Transaction de Novo is still present, but much less than on It's Hard to Find a…Decapolis March 2002Reviewed by Matt ModrichThis is probably one of the most depressing albums of the year. It's even darker than David Bazan's 2000 release "Winners Never Quit." Which is surprising considering that album was about a political candidate who bought his way into office and killed his wife because she was going to rat him out. His latest project "Control" tells the story of a man who has an affair and is later killed by his…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadFrom listening to all the previous Pedro the Lion albums, I can make a few characterizations about the music that singer/lyricist/guitarist Dave Bazan makes: it sounds just right, it does a masterful job of storytelling, and it is controversial. The new album Control lives up to all of these standards to an even higher degree than any previous Pedro the Lion CD. For those who have missed out on…Opus 2002Reviewed by Jason MoreheadWhen I think of Pedro The Lion, two words come to mind... Thomas Kinkade, the so-called "Painter Of Light™." His paintings are idyllic little settings that usually involve a lighthouse, small cottage, or gazebo set in a perpetual springtime where it's always Sunday morning. There's usually a pond or creek nearby, and gardens just bursting into bloom. Everything is bathed in a soft, tranquil…Similar sounding releases
2002...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of DeadSource Tags and Codes
1998DumpsterSee Through Me
2003LoghThe Raging Sun
2003The Appleseed CastTwo Conversations
2002EeFor 100 We Try Harder
Annie QuickBiggerMore from Pedro the Lion
2000Winners Never Quit
2000Progress
1999The Only Reason I Feel Secure
1998It's Hard to Find a Friend
1997Whole EP
2004Achilles Heel
