Press / Reviews
“The smackin’ Boston-based singer/drummer/power-popster has now four solo albums in 19 years, and as he goes, he allows wider historic influence into his band while his quiver expands. 2020’s Slow Recovery began trafficking in the added taste of twangy alt-country/folk and canyon rock (pedal steel, even); now Nothing’s Promised doubles down on that (“You Brought the Love”) while chipping in new roots rock (“Busted Sad Lonely and Blue”), old western music (“In the Shadow”), and Westerberg balladry (“Go It Alone”). His old power-pop/guitar rock dexterity still comes a cropper on the LP’s bookends, the opening “Hard to Believe” and closing, 2024 single “Tomorrow,” plus the middle helping of the fuller-Replacements-esque (/Successful Failures-like) “Sometimes I Just Gotta Get Away,” while his songwriting skills remain stalwart. These days he does it all, with gusto.” - Jack Rabid
“It’s been five long years since Peter Baldrachi released his magisterial comeback LP Slow Recovery. There’s been a few singles since then, that’s true. But nothing stands in for a Baldrachi full album effect. So pull up and check out his new album Nothing Promised to get that feeling again. “Hard to Believe” kicks things off with a Peter Case vocal edge that successfully revives that driving Plimsouls sound. From there things get pretty country though not like you might expect. “Busted, Sad, Lonely and Blue” says country from the title alone but tune in for the Bakersfield sound. “You Brought the Love” balances tasty lead guitar riffs with sweet country pedal steel. Then “Go It Alone” sees the guitar work pulling the country feel in a jazz direction. “Wearing My Heart Around” dials up the honky tonk country vibe. But the coup de grace is undoubtedly the “In the Shadow” duet with Sonya Rae Taylor where a rumbly rockabilly lead guitar competes with some spare country pedal steel to create real tension. Baldrachi does take a rocking turn or two as well. “Sometimes I Just Gotta Get Away” has a rollicking Replacements energy while “The Pieces of You” rides a great organ bed as you might hear on any number of Nick Lowe albums. Bookending the album is another hot should-be hit single, “Tomorrow,” a Matthew Sweet-worthy hooky guitar tune, with a hint of the Jayhawks in the vocal delivery. With Nothing Promised Baldrachi is back and as promising as ever.” - Dennis Pilon
“Peter Baldrachi is back after over a year with a new LP that collects recent singles and a few new tracks as well. Opening with “Hard To Believe,” it’s got a strong riff leading the way, some nice harmonies and a sweet solo break with a touch of blues pop. The honky tonk country beat of “Busted, Sad, Lonely, and Blue” is another winner, with juicy slide guitar accents. The energetic and catchy tunes contrast with the sad lyrics. Most of the music here follows a weary confessional heartbreak, songs like “Go It Alone” and “Wearing My Heart Around” are perfect examples. But power pop does poke it’s head out with “Sometimes I Just Gotta Get Away,” a really catchy song akin to Tommy Keene, and the jangling pop finale “Tomorrow” with a little optimism, and a layered guitar rhythm, with all the bells and whistles reminding me of Lindsey Buckingham in places. The production is clean and crisp, and this is definitely highly recommended. 8/10” - Aaron Kupferberg
“Peter Baldrachi makes a convincing comeback in a big way. The American singer-songwriter, drummer and guitarist from Boston's style and sound have been compared to those of Paul Westerberg (with good reason), and Nothing’s Promised leaves us one of those works that should mark the year. Between the sounds of country rock, power pop and folk rock, this magnificent LP is fully developed and refined. It will please much the lovers of Chris Cacavas (Green On Red, Dream Syndicate) and Peter Case (The Nerves, The Plimsouls). Something more than an album of power pop and something more than catchy and melodic songs. It is much more, and if it is not, then I demand it. Record of the week without a doubt!!” - Bernardo de Andres
Press photos
