Localized Music: Brad Peterson

A title like The Ductape Album may suggest a work of ramshackle lo-fi pop, but the latest record from stalwart singer-songwriter Brad Peterson has classic-pop sheen written all over it. Immaculately arranged vocal harmonies; crisp, clear guitar tones; and unorthodox instruments (Mellotron and pan flute) used in tandem with a standard rock combo all demonstrate that Peterson has learned a thing or two from The Beatles (as if the "A Hard Day's Night"-esque opener “More” wasn’t a dead giveaway). Peterson has one finger steadily on alt-country’s pulse, with the mid-tempo title track deftly balancing wry self-deprecation with pedal-steeled pathos. If nothing else, Ductape proves Peterson to be an apt pop pupil.

But loyal students can also be teacher’s pets, and the ho-hum acoustic ballad “Happy Birthday” and stagnant pop-country lament “Back Brace” show that some pop standards are also trite, overused clichés; there's a thin line between aping your idol's strengths and mindless parroting, and Ductape crosses it more often than not. 

While the hit-or-miss ratio of Ductape makes some listeners wish for more musical cohesion, Peterson’s considerable skill with melodic phrasing, and his willingness to play with pop arrangements, ultimately ensures that fans will stick with him and his music. Grade: B-

Peterson releases the album tonight, June 25, at the Double Door. Here's the title track: