"Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise..." Released just 6 months after David Bazaan's debut album as Pedro The Lion, The Only Reason I Feel Secure distilled the urgent and downtrodden (do we have clearance to say 'emo'? just checking...) songwriting of It's Hard To Find A Friend into a poignant 5 song set that stands as one of his most compelling releases to date. Bazaan wastes no time here, setting off the downbeat melancholy of "Criticism As Inspiration" with the lyrics "I saw in your bedroom, the drawers had been emptied / looking for answers but you won't admit it now / you don't need a reason, that's what you tell me / but I still don't buy it." There's three more anguished ballads before ending on a hopeful note with a rendition of the ancient Irish hymn "Be Thou My Vision." But that's not all; this expanded edition adds three additional tracks: acoustic versions of "Diamond Ring," "Big Trucks" and "Invention." Indie-exclusive clear vinyl pressing released by Jade Tree, limited edition.

• indie-exclusive clear vinyl pressing
• includes 3 bonus tracks
• printed lyric sheet
• limited edition
• music label: Jade Tree 2018

reviewed by sakura incident 08/2018