Pedro the Lion - Achilles Heel
Achilles Heel had the potential for being something great, possibly one of the best albums of the year. But it's nowhere near that possibility.
The words "Achilles' Heel" denote a sense of weakness. Rarely are those words used for purposes of praise or of great achievement. It's always about something that's a setback. A stutter. A hesitation. A limitation. Even with that title emblazoned in my mind, I still had high expectations of what was to come.
From "Bands with Managers" it was obvious that this is a complete 180 from where Pedro the Lion was on It's Hard to Find a Friend. Maturity, growth, and a label change can do that to a band. It wasn't just that though. It continued on in a light heartedness until the song "Discretion" rolled along. So it was obvious from the outset that one of the weaknesses of this album was a plot. There wasn't a story line that has been a mainstay of the past Pedro the Lion albums. In fact, the only real thing that could be seen as a possible conflict is the subtle sexist under text that plagues this album. I'm not a feminist, but give me a break. There has to be something better brewing in Bazan's mind then music made for degrading women.
There were a couple of catchy tracks few and far between. The music wasn't interesting. I'm still searching for the meaning of this album (if it did have a point, it was deeply overshadowed). Well, point being, it was boring. Listening to the same whining over and over again is just annoying. Nothing was new or inventive on Achilles Heel.
For a number of artists, this could be an accomplishment. But for Pedro the Lion, I expected a hell of a lot more. All that's left is a guessing game. Are they saving up great material for a new album? Is this something that could be the norm for Pedro the Lion from now on? Should we even bother waiting around?
If there wasn't a space-time continuum, someone could go back in time and prevent this album from being released. It really could save a lot of people from the pain of these frivolous sound waves. Let's just cut to the chase; Achilles Heel had the potential for being something great, possibly one of the best albums of the year. But it's nowhere near that possibility. Cross your fingers and toes in hope that by the next album, Pedro the Lion will have it together.
(Jade Tree Records)