Drawing inspiration from a broad group of musical heroes ranging from Fugazi to Tom Petty, David Bazans 2011 release STRANGE NEGOTIATIONS sounds like a great rock band playing songs they're beyond intimate with and Bazan is audibly excited by the opportunity to play with great musicians who can match his spirited vocal delivery and fiery-but-loose lyricism. The tempos are up, and, it's the first full length the former Pedro the Lion leader has recorded with a band, the same band with which he toured supporting his previous, critically acclaimed release CURSE YOUR BRANCHES.
