Link: Peter Walker
The Inside Pulse:
Remember Pete Yorn? He had a song in a movie and another on a TV show. He had a sound that won him some decent reviews and a slew of listeners. His second album peaked early and faded. His third was called Live from New Jersey which, all resepct due to the garden state, about says it all. In the end his unoffensive, yet gruff take on jangley roots pop worked just once. I told you that story so I could tell you this one.
Peter Walker has put together a fine collection of 11 songs that remind me of Nick Lowe, early Dream Syndicate and Dinosaur Jr. — but most of all remind me of Pete Yorn and his failure to either reach an emotional depth or the bright sheen of really great pop. It’s in that in between that’s oddly popular, but rarely lasting. He’s the kind of guy you might root for, but not the guy you die with should he lose.
Positives:
– Peter won’t embarrass you except for maybe in front of your tragically hip friends. Your mom might find it catchy. While unoffensive, it’s not without a bit of bite and even the hardened rock cynic would tap a toe.
– There’s a nice variety to the tunes without ever giving over to either a pure roots feel or a straight pop sound. He’s defined his spot and it’s comfortable.
Negatives:
– While this is easy to listen to, there’s nothing that will break your heart or stick in your head. A live show of this material would be a nice night out, but wouldn’t have you humming anything by the time you got home.
– There are a couple of songs that try to have a little fun and they fall flat. He’s best when earnest.
Cross-breed:
Ryan Adams with David Cassidy
Reason to buy:
You like a little harmless roots pop from time to time.
