Isnt it funny how these simple, pop songs have caused giant sensation among the indie community? For example, earlier this month, I went to Death Cab for Cuties homecoming show, and Pedro the Lion opened. I knew that Pedro was godly out here, but I hadnt expected such a tremendous crowd [a few people had driven five hours] just to see Pedro the Lion open. I asked David about the show: [It was] great because it was so cool to have so many people there and the show was awesome. And yes, it was awesome: Pedros drummers face contorting with concentration, his bassist singing along and David, himself, crooning with his eyes closed.

            The biggest excitement of current is, of course, Achilles Heel, the newest PTL album. The first thing that struck me about the album is the spectacular cover art. David told me it was done by the same Subpop artists that designed the covers for Hot Hot Heat and the Shins. I see it! If you dont believe me, go get your copy of Chute Too Narrow, and compare it with Achilles Heel. Musically and lyrically, its more lighter than Control, which was dark and heavy handed, says David. I could sense a slight change of voice and mindset between the two albums.

            Control gave David a very controversial image. I asked David what the biggest misconception  about PTL was: There isnt just one; its just stuff like the religious undertones, and how its interpreted. But it also comes from so many different personal beliefs and perspectives that you cannot pinpoint one idea because it might not be a misconception, but a new opinion. Hes obviously very open-minded even about his music and what it might mean. I mean, he wrote it and he ought to have full authority behind the meaning, but instead, he allows the public to decide. In terms of what history shall remember about PTL, its up to press: Only because press works like this, I think that were going to be remembered for the religious undertones because thats what everyone talks about, generally.

            The last thing I asked David about was whether he really knew what was up with the world, like all his fans claim. He answered, Two years ago, I might have said so that I know more than I actually did, but as you get older, it hits you that everything isnt exactly as it seems and you arent as smart as you think you are. Interpret that any way, youd like, dear PTL fanatics.

            Whats up later for Pedro the Lion? A killer summer tour with indie sweetheart John Vanderslice. Davids excited about the tour, saying Ive never met anybody quite like John before, whos upbeat. Hes a great songwriter. Are you as excited as I am? Herere the tour dates:

06/02 Wed - San Francisco CA - Bottom of the Hill
06/03 Thu - San Francisco CA - Bottom of the Hill
06/04 Fri - Pomona CA - Glass House
06/05 Sat - San Diego CA - The Casbah
06/06 Sun - Los Angeles CA - Troubadour
06/07 Mon - Los Angeles CA - Troubadour
06/08 Tue - Phoenix AZ - Old Brickhouse
06/10 Thu - Austin TX - Emo's
06/11 Fri - Dallas TX - Tree's
06/12 Sat - Little Rock AR - Vino's
06/13 Sun - Nashville TN - Exit In
06/14 Mon - Atlanta GA - Echo Lounge
06/15 Tue - West Columbia SC - New Brookland Tavern
06/16 Wed - Charlottesville VA - TBA
06/17 Thu - Washington DC - Black Cat
06/18 Fri - Lancaster PA - Chameleon
06/19 Sat - Philadelphia PA - First Unitarian
06/20 Sun - Brooklyn NY - Northsix
06/21 Mon - New York NY - Knitting Factory
06/22 Tue - Cambridge MA - Middle East Downstairs
06/24 Thu - Toronto ON - TBA
06/25 Fri - Buffalo NY - Mohawk Place
06/26 Sat - Cleveland OH - The Grog Shop
06/27 Sun - Detroit MI - The Magic Stick
06/28 Mon - Chicago IL - The Abbey Pub
06/29 Tue - Chicago IL - The Abbey Pub
06/30 Wed - Minneapolis MN - First Avenue
07/01 Thu - Milwaukee WI - TBA
07/02 Fri - Iowa City IA - Gabe's Oasis
07/03 Sat - Bushnell IL - Cornerstone Festival
07/05 Mon - Omaha NE - Sokol Underground
07/06 Tue - Denver CO - Bluebird Theatre
07/07 Wed - Salt Lake City UT - TBA
07/08 Thu - Boise ID - Big Easy
07/09 Fri - Portland OR - TBA
07/10 Sat - Seattle WA - Showbox

Oh, and he said, Hi Evan! to you, Evan Garrett.

-Alina Misra