Former Pedro The Lion frontman had a rather public falling out from Christianity. While Pedro was together he was a devout believer, but the release of 2009’s Curse Your Branches under his own name saw that change. The album highlighted Bazan’s struggle with his faith, and it’s remained a talking point years later. But even as Bazan worked through his feeling about religion, he never stopped releasing music that was decidedly not-secular. On November 11, Suicide Squeeze will release Dark Sacred Night, a collection of Christmas-themed covers courtesy of Bazan.
The A.V. Club is streaming all of Dark Sacred Night ahead of its release this Friday, which sees Bazan offering up takes on standards such as “Away In A Manger” and “O Little Town Of Bethlehem,” and even a previously released original, “I Wish My Kids Were Here.” In typical Bazan fashion, his performances are distinctly dour, removing the Christmas cheer and focusing on the softer, ruminative moments the holiday season can bring. Of the album, Bazan had this to say: “Cheery conformity is the enemy of ‘peace on earth, goodwill’ to all. Admit your despair to safe people in your life this Christmas. Be a safe person for others. Feel better. Jesus Christ, you guys.”
Pre-orders for Dark Sacred Night are available now.
David Bazan tour dates
11/29—Living Room Show—Richland, WA
11/30—Living Room Show—Boise, ID
12/1—Living Room Show—Salt Lake City, UT
12/4—Valley Bar—Phoenix, AZ*
12/6—Living Room Show—San Diego, CA
12/7—Living Room Show—Aliso Viejo, CA
12/8—Masonic Lodge—Los Angeles, CA*
12/9—Living Room Show—Bakersfield, CA
12/10—Living Room Show—Modesto, CA
12/11—Living Room Show—San Jose, CA
12/13—Swedish American Hall—San Francisco, CA*
12/14—Living Room Show—Sacramento, CA
12/15—Living Room Show—Medford, OR
12/16—Living Room Show—Eugene, OR
12/17—Revolution Hall—Portland, OR*
12/18—Neumo’s Seattle, WA*
* – Christmas show