The Big Takeover by Mark Suppanz (June 2020)
On his third LP, Boston-based singer/drummer Baldrachi (ex-Krushr) moves away from the power-pop that dominated 2012’s Back to the Start – first released in 2011 as Tomorrow Never Knows – and 2006’s Solid Ground. Granted, the exuberant opening title track, with its blaring and soulful, Saints-evoking horns (courtesy brothers John and Scott Aruda), and the crunchy, harmony-filled “Side By Side,” show he can still crank out a Big Star/Posies-inspired rocker on cue. But Slow mostly finds an obsessively lovesick Baldrachi mining pedal steel-flecked country-folk and Sweetheart of the Rodeo-esque canyon rock, as on the sensitive “People Don’t Change,” sparkling “In My Heart,” and spirited “Killing Time.” Yet thanks to an array of 15 proficient supporting players such as guitarist/co-songwriter Gary Rand, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages guitarist Milt Reder, and alluring backing vocalist Ingrid Gerdes, and its luminous, full-bodied production, Slow is his most affecting work to date.
PowerPop Station: Slow Recovery album review by Paolo Milea (May 2020)
If there is an adjective that defines Peter Baldrachi’s new album well… it’s beautiful. “Slow Recovery” (Prodigal Son – 2020) must have been worked as a goldsmith models his jewelry: with great care in the small details, between the lines and indentations. So, that the end result is brilliant and… beautiful. I imagine the ideas, arrangements, the choice of melodies maturing in that almost a decade between “Slow Recovery” and the last full length album that brought new songs from Baldrachi, “Tomorrow Never Knows”. On the new CD, Baldrachi is surrounded by an incredible team of musicians, starting with his composing partner Gary Rand. A real pop orchestra, with saxophone, trumpets, piano, Hammond B3, Farfisa, Mellotron, Wurlitzer, pedal steel guitar… that is, a record designed and executed to sound… beautiful. With country-rock inks on some songs, Baldrachi continues to deliver memorable and hooked tunes, that’s his business. “Slow Recovery” is the perfect album for this weird and scary moment that we live in. And despite being a mere coincidence, several song titles lead us to associate with what we are going through: “Slow Recovery”, “People Don’t Change”, “Side By Side”, “Killing Time”, “Bitter Pill”… but it really doesn’t matter. We finally have a new Peter Baldrachi album and that it came when we needed it most… because this beauty will do us very well now.
Power Popaholic by Aaron Kupferberg (June 2020)
Boston musician Peter Baldrachi explores the country genre with his latest LP, as only a few tracks could be considered power pop. The opening title track certainly fills that requirement; a rich production filled with snarling guitars and blaring horns. Next, “People Don’t Change” is an effective ballad with steel pedal guitar twang, and “Seasons” adds piano and some harmonies to the mix. “In My Heart” is more poetic, and as a lovelorn troubadour Baldrachi succeeds here. “Side By Side” returns to the rock side briefly, but the remainder of the album is mid-tempo country songs. “Killing Time” is another winner here, the compelling chorus tells of “missing you and wishing you were here.” Something about it feels like early Mike Nesmith in parts and it is definitely music that deserves to be heard.
Alan Haber’s Pure Pop Radio: Change single review by Alan Haber (November 2018)
Long-time popster Baldrachi blazes through power chords and unbridled energy to tell the story of a partner who must learn to plow through that which is keeping her from enjoying life. There is hope, as a chorus of voices sings: “We’re gonna turn it around.” Certainly, the happy-peppy tune that Baldrachi has conjured up can contribute to that eventuality. It certainly keeps the ears tuned to this modern power pop classic.
The Big Takeover by Jack Rabid (Issue No. 70 – May 2012)
I may have jumped the gun (but not the shark) with my review last issue of an advance copy of this Beantown power-pop rocker’s second LP, with guest spots from ‘60s legend The Small Faces’ Ian McLagan and Amy Rigby, among many. Because now that it’s officially released, it has a new title, and more importantly, has been thoroughly remixed by Ed Stasium, who’s earned respect from his production of the ‘70s Ramones to his expert mix of Nada Surf’s The Weight Is A Gift. The result is the same cool record – which I loosely referenced The Posies, Andrew Gold, Terry Jacks, and Big Star’s “laaaaa-laaaaa” backing vocals in describing, – only it sounds even better. This, also, remains true: “His tunes and good guy personality/voice are for cheerfully whistling while you work.
Ghettoblaster Magazine by Gregg Coleman (Issue 31 – May 2012)
Powerpop doesn’t usually grab the sort of critical acclaim some of the more esoteric genres do. What’s accessible can feel a little too easy for those of us who’ve spent hours listening to freak folk or acid metal. It’s a shame though and Peter Baldrachi’s a great example of why. It takes a few listens before realizing the highly respectable veins that this singer songwriter pulls from and why that makes it ok to like him. Paul Westerberg, Matthew Sweet, Big Star – nothing bad about any of those guys. Just enough country to give it soul and just enough melody to give it pop, this guilty pleasure feels less and less guilty every time you hear it.
PowerPopaholic.com (June 2012)
Just in case you missed Baldrachi’s release last year, he mentioned to me that he felt the album was kind of rushed out and wasn’t too happy with the mixes. Well… Back To The Start is a re-boot for Baldrachi. All the tracks have been remixed and mastered by Ed Stasium (Ramones, Mick Jagger, The Smithereens, Reverend Horton Heat, Nada Surf) at The Kozy Tone Ranch. Plus a new song “Picture On My Wall” is included and like the rest of the album it’s excellent. Peter is assisted by guitarist, bassist, and arranger Gary Rand, keyboardists Dave Lieb (The Vinyl Skyway) and Peter Linnane (The Farewells), backing vocalists Alice Austin (The Lavas, Stark Raving Mad) and Amy Fairchild, 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee keyboardist Ian McLagan (Faces, The Rolling Stones, Billy Bragg), singer/songwriter Amy Rigby (solo, Wreckless Eric), multi-instrumentalist Ian Kennedy (Reverse, Dennis Brennan), and cellist Aristides Rivas. The songs shine just as brightly as before, if not more so with the new mastering. It made my top ten list last year. You have no excuses! Get this one! (9 out of 10)
Pop Geek Heaven by Mike Baron (May 2012)
Boston-based singer/rocker Baldrachi releases a strong set of rave-ups, rockers and ballads loaded with hooks and Gary Rand’s wildly expressive guitar. ”In the Dead of Night” opens with power chords and a righteous hook with backing chorus. ”Make It On Our Own” is an anthem to independence with a locomotive beat and good bones. ”Promise Me a New Start” with its acoustic intro and harmony by Amy Rigby is very Mellencamp/Scarecrow in sound and theme, about a guy looking for a new start. Three smart fast rockers to start. “Pray For Rain” sounds like Nashville power pop, guitars speaking with a southern twang and echoes of Buffalo Springfield. ”Pick Up the Pieces” exudes a sweet country vibe thanks to the mandolin. ”Someone Isn’t Me” is major-chord full-throated rock with Rand laying it down like Van Halen. The C,S and Nashish “In the Name of Love” has that Laurel Canyon lilt, acoustic guitars. Even without the backing vocals it sounds great. I also like how their logo resembles the old Blue Note mark.
Four stars.
Daggerzine.com (November 2012)
Boston guy who looks like he could play a sinister criminal is any # of Hollywood films (character actor?). Musically, I thought had been around forever but his first solo record 2006, still though, this is good punchy power pop with plenty o;’ hooks and strong songwriting. Hollywood or a music career? You decide, Peter.
The Noise by Debbie Catalano (Aug. 2012)
“Okay, where has Peter Baldrachi been hiding that I haven’t heard of him? I’m sure he hasn’t been hiding, I just missed him somewhere in this sphere of Boston music but I’m glad to have found him now! Due to circumstances unfortunately beyond my control, I got quite behind in my CD reviews and since this was submitted, I believe he has released another, but this still very much deserves a review. Tomorrow Never Knows features a refreshing blast of commercial pop rock tunes; Peter’s music is upbeat with a perfect blend of a Brit-pop / American alt rock feel with decided dashes of twang. I absolutely adore it. Accessible, catchy, and happy—we all need music with a goodtime spirit and Peter’s got it—not to mention that the production is outstanding. It’s a very rare and special thing to love every track of a CD but I can honestly say with Tomorrow Never Knows that I did. Can’t wait to hear the next!”
The Boston Globe by Jonathan Perry (Nov. 2, 2007)
“Talk about a transformation. After manning the skins for Boston’s Krushr, a hard-rock outfit that drew comparisons to everybody from Nirvana to Queens of the Stone Age, drummer-turned-singer-songwriter Peter Baldrachi turned down the volume and turned up the melody. The result is his solo debut, “Solid Ground,” whose wistful charm and warmly ragged pop hooks owe far more to Paul Westerberg than Kurt Cobain. The ground Baldrachi’s standing on these days may not be as rock hard, but it’s a lovely landscape with a gorgeous view.”
The Big Takeover by Mark Suppanz (Issue No. 60 – 2007)
“Baldrachi, drummer for Krushr – a band that released a self-titled EP in 2003 – proved on this debut LP that going solo was a wise decision. He’s composed a superb and crackling power-pop LP that overflows with catchy melodies and exquisite harmonies. It compares favorably to artists like The Posies, Matthew Sweet, Cosmic Rough Riders (and Daniel Wylie’s solo records), and yes, even Big Star. Perhaps it’s not so unexpected when one considers the influences listed on his MySpace page. The style is in his blood. Baldrachi mans the skins and compiles a splendid collection of backing players including colorful guitarist Gary Rand and gorgeous vocalist Alice Austin. Each expertly crafted song resonates right down to the sighing, swooning choruses on the beautiful, Teenage Fanclub – like closer “What Do You Want From Me.”
Amplifier Magazine by Lee Zimmerman (Dec. 2007)
“Peter Baldrachi evokes the usual suspects on his solo debut, summoning up the spirit of ‘60s Brit rockers and ‘70s retro revivalists. As a relative newcomer – he previously recorded occasionally with the Boston band Krushr – Baldrachi seems remarkably assured, thanks in large measure to a power pop instinct that’s unfailingly infectious and unceasingly compelling. In fact, he may be the most commanding singer/drummer since Dave Clark, although his swagger and sneer position him closer in stance to John Lennon and early Elvis Costello.
Solid Ground is more than merely a one-man show; cooing harmonies, relentless riffing and effusive melodies provide a consistent surge throughout. Nevertheless, Baldrachi anchors the undertow with assurance and precision, from the tumultuous stomp of album opener “Solid Ground,” through to the driving pulse of “A Better Place” and the didactic delivery of “Making Sense.” Even so, the band’s at its best when they tow a melodic middle ground, whether it’s the gentle Byrds-like swoon of “What Do You Want from Me” or the gentle sway of “Breakdown.” Mostly, it’s a sense of instant familiarity that pervades the set as a whole, as if Baldrachi has harnessed the classic sounds of the past four decades and repurposed them with his instincts and ambitions. As its title implies, Solid Ground is a solid beginning. By glimpsing back at the past, Baldrachi can look forward to a future that seems all but assured.”
Absolute Power Pop Blog (Jan. 2007)
“Solid Ground, from Boston’s Peter Baldrachi, grabs you right from the get-go with the staccato guitar riff and pure power pop chorus of the title track, and doesn’t let you go until it’s over. “A Better Place” and “Breakdown” follow with more of the same, and you’ll probably already have given your credit card info to CD Baby by the time the 2-minute sample ends. But if you haven’t, the midtempo “You’re Gonna Miss Me Someday” probably will get you to do so. Other standouts include “Wait In Vain” (which reminds me of the great Aussie band The Chevelles), the Smithereensesque “Round and Round”, “Start It Up Again” (I’m hearing some Eugene Edwards there), “Making Sense of Nothing” (which borrows the melody from Paul Westerberg’s “Silent Film Star”), the jangly “(Are You Sure) That We Belong” and “What Do You Want From Me?” which has a Teenage Fanclub feel to it. Wait – I just listed every track on the disc. Gee, I guess they’re all standouts. This is really a quintessential power pop album; if you were to look up “power pop” in the dictionary, there ought to be a picture of this disc staring you back in the face.”
Indiepages.com (Nov. 2007)
“I’m not sure, but I really have to wonder if this is the first power pop record where the main songwriter was the drummer. It’s not that I’m surprised that he sings lead while drumming (as that’s not incredibly rare), but that he actually wrote all of the music on this record (save one song) without playing a single note of it. For that, he’s joined by his bandmates on guitar and bass, with additional help from friends on keyboards, additional guitar and backing vocals. The music is a hodge podge of various typical power pop styles, from the crunchy sound of the title track and “Start It Up Again” to the heartbroken Beatlesesque jangle of “You’re Gonna Miss Me Someday” to the country-influenced twang of “Breakdown” and “Wait In Vain”. But even with the variety of styles, Peter and his band go from one to the other with ease, bringing the record together quite nicely. That, and the strong songwriting, makes this a fine debut album!”
Metronome Magazine by Douglas Sloan (Jan. 2008)
“Drummer-songwriter Peter Baldrachi steps out of the shadows to front this superb, hard-nosed rock and roll album entitled Solid Ground. Lush vocal harmonies, gritty guitar sounds full of tone, tone, tone, and Baldrachi’s rock steady rhythms kick these into overdrive and never look back. Guitarist Gary Rand, bassist Steve Buonomo, keyboardist Lester Goodwine, guitarist Richard Mirsky, pianist David Horak, bassist David Leitch and background singer Alice Austin all contribute their considerable talents to this well produced, played and recorded CD making it one of the best of 2007. Radio friendly songs include the album’s title track “Solid Ground,” “A Better Place,” and the twangin’ “Wait In Vain.” With an album full of good songs and excellent playing, Peter Baldrachi’s star is on the rise. Outstanding!”
The Noise by Francis DiMenno (May 2007)
“Feel-good late-’70s early-’80s power pop chock-full of hooky riffage and blame-free attitude. Call me a sap, but this sort of music puts a big grin on my face. From the Beatles-Cheap Trick inflections of “Solid Ground” to the “Prettiest Girl”-like “A Better Place” to the Stones-Deep Purple-Eagles perplex of “Breakdown” the best umbers are a retro feast of well-crafted pop-rock tunes. Of the more original numbers, “You’re Gonna Miss Me Someday” is a hoarsely insinuating ballad and “Wait In Vain” is an optimistic power-pop love-letter. The release loses steam about midway through but is still a worthy addition to the canon of Boston rock ’n’ roll.”