Peter Walker - Young Gravity

As a vocalist, Peter Walker utilizes a laid-back, restrained style, allowing his work to sound almost effortless. Characterizing any of the eleven songs on Young Gravity as flippant or careless, however, would be a mistake. With the help of Grandaddy’s Jim Fairchild and Earlimart’s Aaron Espinoza, Walker has released a well-crafted record sure to resonate with those who appreciate the thought quality singer-songwriters put in their craft. Walker’s sound falls somewhere between the tuneful pop of Brendan Benson and the cerebral, melancholy Americana of Wilco, often moving without distraction from one approach to another. Album opener “What Do I Know” blends an energetic guitar riff with Walker’s aforementioned vocals to create a track that manages to be both subtle and catchy. “39 Stars,” one of my favorite songs of the year, follows in mid-tempo country rock fashion and features one of the most endearing melodies on the album. Gems like the earnest, ambling “Flagship” and the aptly named title track (in which Walker sings “I want you there by my side/Sit and stare at machines plugged to me, keeping score on the screen”) dominate the record’s first half. “Talk to You,” like “What Do I Know,” masterfully melds an upbeat feel with a laid-back Walker vocal. While the second half of the album drags a bit, it features several strong cuts like the ballad “By a Thread,” which compellingly and gradually gains momentum. Without effort on the part of avid consumers, it would be easy for Walker’s music to fly under the radar. However, because his work is highly effective at combining both substance and style, it would be shameful for Young Gravity to be overlooked. [www.peterwalkermusic.com]