Pedro the Lion

Recently on a comeback trail, Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band that was big for over a decade before taking a temporary (which ended up being an extended) break in 2006. Now that they’re back, however, the band hasn’t really skipped a beat, and that’s because the band’s front man, David Bazan, has been the key cog in the machine since its inception.

Watching them live, you’re transported back to those early Seattle days where music was really raw, unmistakably original, and impossible to put a true label on. A Pedro the Lion show is sort of like R.E.M. meets a toned-down Soundgarden, and the fans in the audience are definitely more of the coffee shop variety rather than the Headbangers Ball variety.

This means you can just sit and enjoy the show, without having to worry about any rowdiness knocking you out of your element…or out of your senses. Bazan has a lot of great tracks that he cycles through while playing, including some covers and some tracks that might not have made an album.

“Control” is a great tune that the band always manages to play, and it sounds great in an indoor arena. David’s deep, rich voice carries in a live theater and really makes you respect live music that isn’t auto-tuned in the studio.

What's not to love about Mynabirds? I saw them perform live at The Woods, an intimate setting that was lit by candles and paper lamps. I felt like I was in my favorite cafe with my friends, watching a beloved and regular performer. I love the singer-songwriter Laura Burhenn. When she performs she has a way of calming the audience and subtly demanding the audience's attention. It's really because of her exquisite voice. She knows how to belt a note and surprise and audience with her tender ability to convey sincerity. She's emotionally powerful and skillful. She was at the piano the entire time and played while singing. "Numbers Don't Lie" has always been a favorite of mine, and she did not disappoint when she performed it. There was a power and a richness behind her words that I had never heard when I listened to the track in my apartment. She's an earnest singer who silences the audience with her ability. Seriously everyone in the audience was completely reverent the entire time, just listening to the power of her lyrics. It took me a second after the performance was done to get up, I was so moved by the lyrics and melodies. I've been on the look out since, waiting for another opportunity to see Mynabirds live.